ASIS Standard PSC 4
IAMSP is pleased to announce that ASIS International’s Quality Assurance and Security Management for Private Security Companies Operating at Sea has gained ANSI approval as an American National Standard. This significant hurdle is the result of ASIS International being able to demonstrate that it strictly adhered to some of the highest principles and requirements associated with the development of standards–and an ability to demonstrate that such standards were kept free of undue interference and vested interests.
IAMSP members, including Executive Members, participated significantly on both the Technical Committee and Working Group–giving private maritime security companies a clear and credible voice. By integrating into the ASIS International process, IAMSP demonstrated both its willingness to work collaboratively with credible Associations and Institutions on efforts that will see the maritime security profession evolve.
As this is the final standard in the suite of four, IAMSP wishes to thank its members that took significant time and made significant efforts in contributing to the ASIS International standards development process. The efforts, which can be clearly shown as putting the needs of the maritime security industry ahead of its own and keeping in line with credible principles and practices, represent major steps in the development of a professional core. We also wish to congratulate ASIS International on the success of this very significant effort.
ASIS reaches key goal with PSC 1 and ANSI Standards
IAMSP congratulates ASIS International on the acceptance of the PSC.1 Standard for the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers into the ANSI system of standards. This achievement was a truly remarkable effort under the coordination of Dr Marc Siegel of ASIS International’s standards development body that brought together representatives of foreign governments, the private sector, and non-government organizations. IAMSP, through the efforts of Allan McDougall, participated as the clearest voice representing issues and challenges within the maritime security domain, the largest group of signatories to theICoC. This participation is representative of IAMSP’s concrete efforts and volunteerism on behalf of the maritime security industry, something that continues to be vital as these efforts (and others) move forward.
IAMSP recently put forward comments regarding the ICoC Charter, expressing significant concerns over its structure and a number of specific measures. As an Association, we continue to be committed to the intent of the ICoC and will continue to support the ASIS International efforts in the development of those standards supporting the Code. Our primary focus will continue to be ensuring that the intent of the ICoC to weave respect for human rights and similar considerations into the business practices within the private security domain remains in the forefront of the Code and its integration into the maritime security domain.
We will continue our efforts in representing the industry through all phases of these efforts, working collaboratively with the various groups and interests involved to ensure that our members, and the maritime security industry in general, is given appropriate voice in these important efforts. While we continue to represent various trades and crafts within the maritime security domain, this effort, and others like it, demonstrate our commitment to operate in a leadership role with other credible associations to the betterment of the industry as a whole.
Again, our congratulations to all the representatives that participated in the development of this standard and who have been active in subsequent efforts and particularly ASIS International for providing the leadership and technical means of moving this important effort forward.
MSB Passes Round 2
We are pleased to announce that MSB Group has passed the second round of oversight checks and proceeding into its third round of checks.
Round 1 checks involved testing a proof of concept. This was accomplished satisfactorily.
Round 2 checks ensured that the administrative control system will offer all member states the means and ability to continuously monitor the full system. This transparency provides the member states, shipping companies and underwriters with the ability to have full confidence and awareness of the system in near-real time. The second round checks also ensured that the system is configured for access by Customs organizations and other international bodies with an interest in overseeing and monitoring the movement of small arms and light weapons (SALW).
The MSB Group has recently launched its official website at www.msbgroupltd.com.
Use of Force Standard Released
- We are pleased to announce the release of our Use of Force standard to Full and Associate members. This standard includes guidance based on authoritative sources, the contribution of a broad range of Asset Protection and Security practitioners and has been reviewed independently by two legal experts in the field with maritime experience (both current members of the Bar).
- The standard includes guidance with respect to the following:
- General policies and principles
- Methods for assessing the suitability of armed services
- Sample policies upon which companies can base their own policies, standards and guidance
- Sample descriptions of chains of events leading up to the use of force
- A sample process for risk assessment and determining if arms are a likely appropriate in the operating environment
- A sample form for use in recording use of force incidents that has been reviewed both legally and by police personnel that have been involved in international investigations
- This standard was developed using a rigorous and well-accepted process that mirrors modern standards development practices. First, a call was put out for participants in the development of the standard and the applications were reviewed by the Executive to ensure that a broad community was represented. This community then worked to develop the overall standard which was, following its initial draft, circulated until a concensus was reached regarding its appropriateness, utility and clarity. With that draft finalized, a copy was submitted to each of two legal experts (both members of the bar) that were able to demonstrate significant maritime security legal experience. Following a cycle that reviewed and integrated comments from those legal experts, the document was finally distributed for final acceptance across the community. This rigorous approach assures IAMSP members and those using the standards that they have been subjected to appropriate oversight and review.
- Full and Associate members of IAMSP may request this standard at no cost from the Secretary of the Association at secretary@iamsponline.org. Please note that the standard may be released to those outside the Association for a nominal fee in the near future. It should be noted that this standard would meet the information requirements currently being promulgated as part of the industry’s vetting of private security companies.
- On behalf of the Executive, we would like to thank all those that came forward to participate in the drafting of this document. This provides yet another demonstration of IAMSP’s support to its members and the broader maritime community. We are currently beginning our second standard drafting process and will be issuing a call for participants in the drafting of the standard on the “Determination and Monitoring of Personnel for Suitability” in the near future.
SOLE Testing Launched
November 12, 2011 by admin · Comments Off
Filed under: Announcements, Domain Aware, Projects, Public, Technology, Uncategorized
Filed under: Announcements, Domain Aware, Projects, Public, Technology, Uncategorized
IAMSP is pleased to announce that the SOLE system is now in its second live testing phase. A true, community driven incident and notification system, the SOLE system combines the efforts and offerings of three companies to create a high-powered incident reporting, analysis and notification tool. The SOLE system consists of the efforts of three communities:
- Solara Remote Data Delivery – the provider of the FT2100 handheld tracking device,
- OceanusLive – the provider of the industry-leading incident notification and awareness portal, and
- Evolutionary Security Management – providing trend and pattern analysis.
The SOLE project application is also overseen by the Association, particularly with respect to the system’s ability to assist companies in reporting events covered under Section F of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers.
Enabling the Industry
The SOLE system provides the following capabilities:
- Companies can track their teams, based on set polling periods around the world (the FT2100 already having global coverage)
- Team leaders can communicate back to their reporting center through the system’s connection to the Iridium Satellite network,
- Company officials can be notified of alerts or key messages through their own web portal, email, SMS or voice notification system,
- Company officials can communicate with their teams securely, independently of the ship’s infrastructure,
- Company officials can, through the OceanusLive portal, receive an Operations center view, saving on time and effort within the operations center, and
- The company can receive updates and assessments on events that take into account stratetic, operational, or even tactical views through the community-based approach.
These benefits are in addition to the company being able to demonstrate, through participation, that it is supporting efforts associated with human rights. The FT2100 comes pre-programmed with a series of notification alerts that allow the operator to communicate events associated with Section F of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers quickly and consistently. Companies receiving this notification then have the ability of taking those steps that are built within their own Standing Operating Procedures (SOP). This is paired with the ability of the Company to use the features of the Solara system to retrieve logs (location and message) for a variety of uses, including being able to clearly demonstrate its compliance with a range of internationally driven best practices and emerging requirements.
This effort demonstrates the value of the one of the key elements of IAMSP – the ability to bring together members within the Association to provide significantly enhanced services or capabilities for the maritime security industry.
Contact
Initial questions regarding the SOLE project can be directed through the Association. Questions regarding any one of the three individual companies should be directed to each one individually. Contact details will be provided as part of the next testing benchmark.
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