MSB Nearing Critical Launch Point
IAMSP has expressed its concern regarding the presence of “floating armouries” in the Red Sea and off of Fujairah. While some of these may be operating with the best intentions, it has been noted that many are operating using what can be considered questionnable practices. These practices, including practices that have raised questions regarding vessel registration and safe manning, have prompted several entities to begin to call for firmer oversight.
It is with pleasure IAMSP can communicate that MSB Group has communicated to IAMSP that it has passed benchmarks that immediately precede its launch. The MSB Group (www.msbgroupltd.com) will provide an official mechanism to address significant concerns regarding the proliferation of illicit arms in the region in addition to eliminating the need for companies to utilize measures that operate in grey areas in the domain of maritime operations, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human labour trafficking and adherence to customs controls.
More details will be released through MSB Group official communications channels in the near future and their website at www.msbgroupltd.com.
Minimum Size of Security Details – Guidance Released
IAMSP is pleased to release its guidance regarding the minimum size of security teams. This guidance, in line with that provided by the IMO when determining safe manning levels on board vessels, insurance companies that have worked to address fatigue issues in ship crews and credible maritime security organizations such as the USCG and others, is intended to provide sound guidance with respect to establishing the minimum size of the security detail needed to protect vessels appropriately.
The size of the security detail is most appropriately determined through an assessment of risk undertaken by competent personnel and taking into account the nature of the threat, operations of the vessel, the environment in which the vessel will be operating and the duration of the transit (amongst other factors). This guidance is not intended to provide a prescriptive standard that sets a minimum size that applies at all times and all cases and does not absolve those associated with decisions in this regard to exercise due care and diligence when making decisions. It is intended to assist in those efforts.
This guidance is part of the overall standards and guidance efforts IAMSP undertakes in support of its membership. Members will be able to reach the guidance through the standards / advice page. As the leading maritime security organization involved in the development of guidance and standards, particularly in the anti-piracy domain, IAMSP remains committed to the advancement of maritime security through this and several other efforts, including the lead Association currently involved in a formalized vetting process of its membership.
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.
MSB Group Oversight Project Update
We are pleased to announce that the MSB Group Ltd project has completed its pilot project and passed its oversight markers. The MSB Group is a coalition of likeminded states and private entities that have come together to offer a clearly legal and supported logistical structure. IAMSP, as the senior community of maritime security professionals available at the inception of the project, was invited to provide independent oversight. At this point in time, the various members of the groups have asked for time to prepare their own statements with respect to their specific participation in the launching of this program. We are pleased to have been able to contribute to this important exercise and look forward to the next phase and implementation.
IAMSP Submits MSC.1/Circ 1405 Comments
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IAMSP is pleased to announce that it has submitted its comments regarding MSC.1/Circ 1405. The document, while generally sound and providing valuable guidance, was reviewed by a number of members and the Executive of IAMSP. The result of significant discussions, research and other activities resulted in nearly eleven pages of qualitative comments being submitted to the International Maritime Organization for its consideration.
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Drawing upon a community that includes master mariners, operators, certified security professionals, members of regulatory and oversight bodies, the comments identify many strengths and potential areas of improvement in the document given the challenges faced by the maritime security community today. The intent of putting these challenges forward is to ensure that the guidance provided yields the best possible results for the maritime industry and ensures that IAMSP’s members are fairly and appropriately represented.
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This effort is one of the tangible ways that IAMSP supports its membership–by assisting the providing a voice to its members on such important topics.
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Full, Associate and Student members seeking a copy of the document submitted to IMO may request it through either the President or the Secretary / Treasurer of the Association.The document may also be made available through the website to members only in the near future.
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