The Code of Practice (also sometimes referred to as the Code of Conduct) is a central plank in the IAMSP efforts towards professionalization. All persons seeking to become members must abide by the Code of Practice as a condition of membership. Maintaining your membership is also considered to be a indication that you have read and understood the requirements that are communicated in that document. The full text of the Code of Practice is included below.
The Code of Practice must be signed by individuals. Given the global nature of the industry and the intent of this Association to operate at a global level, we will accept forms that are submitted with electronic signatures. If you do not have an electronic signature, lock the document against modification and email it to a member of the Executive You will receive a pdf version of the document with the Secretary’s digital signature asking you to reply directly to that email indicating that the document is valid and you agree to all it to stand as per a signed document.
MARITIME SECURITY PROFESSIONALS VOLUNTARY PROFESSIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE
1.0 Introduction
The International Association of Maritime Security Professionals (IAMSP), was created after a number of maritime security companies identified that there was a clear need for self-regulation within the maritime security industry. The organizations aim is to set high standards of best practice within the industry and form a body capable of offering authoritative advice to maritime security practitioners and related research to the wider maritime community. The term MarSecPro is also used as an informal reference to Maritime Security Professionals.
This Voluntary Code sets out the professional standards required by The International Association of Maritime Security Professionals (IAMSP), also known as ‘MarSecPro’, as a condition of holding membership of the organisation. It applies to Maritime Security Professionals at all membership grades. Within this document, the term “relevant authority” is used to identify the person or organisation which has authority over your activity as an individual. If you are a practising Maritime Security professional, this is normally a private security company that you may be subcontracted to or the client. The Code governs your personal conduct as a Maritime Security Professional and not the nature of business or ethics of the relevant authority. It will, therefore, be a matter of you exercising your personal judgement in meeting the requirements of this code.
2.0 The MarSecPro Standard
The overarching aim and objectives of IAMSP are to maintain and promote high standards of ethical practice in the provision of maritime protective security services; this is referred to as the ‘MarSecPro standard’:
2.1 Establish and promote high quality education and personal development at all levels throughout the Maritime Security Professional’s career in the maritime security industry
2.2 To define the professional standards expected of Maritime Security Professionals
2.3 To provide an internationally recognized Certification scheme for Maritime Security Professionals
2.4 To initiate, develop, evaluate and communicate Maritime Security, standards and good practices
2.5 To influence client managers, policy makers and other stakeholders worldwide in Maritime Security issues
3.0 The Public Interest
3.1 Health and Safety
At all times in your professional role you shall have regard for public health, safety and the environment.
3.1.1 This is a general responsibility, which may be governed by legislation, convention or protocol.
3.1.2 If in doubt over the appropriate course of action to take in particular circumstances, you should seek the advice of a peer or colleague.
3.2 Third Parties
You shall have regard to the legitimate rights of third parties.
3.2.1 The term ‘Third Party’ includes professional colleagues, or possibly competitors, or members of ‘the public’ who might be affected by your work as a Maritime Security Professional without their being directly aware of the existence of your work.
3.3 Legal
Maritime Security Professional’s should undertake at all times to comply with or observe all applicable laws and regulations, wherever they operate.
3.3.1 Maritime Security Professional’s, whether acting for themselves or an employer, should not take any action that they know, or reasonably should know, would violate any applicable law or regulation.
3.3.2 Maritime Security Professional’s must ensure that their conduct cannot be interpreted as breaching the laws; if unsure, they must consult, at the earliest possible stage of business dealings, with a suitably qualified and knowledgeable person.
3.3.3 Maritime Security Professional’s should take into account the culture of the maritime assets flag state, crew or the country or region in which they are operating.
3.4 Discrimination
You shall conduct your professional activities without discrimination against clients, colleagues or fellow members of the maritime security industry.
3.4.1 Grounds of discrimination include, but are not limited to race, colour, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age and disability
3.4.2 All colleagues have a right to be treated with dignity and respect.
3.4.3 You should adhere to the relevant law within the jurisdiction where you are working.
3.5 Bribery
Maritime Security Professional’s shall not accept nor make any offer of bribery or inducement.
4.0 Duty to Relevant Authority
4.1 Challenges to your Judgement
You shall carry out work with due care and diligence in accordance with the relevant authority’s requirements. If your professional judgment is overruled, you shall indicate the likely risks and consequences.
4.1.1 Be aware of the potential conflict between full and committed compliance with the ‘‘relevant authority’s” wishes, and the independent and considered exercise of your judgement.
4.1.2 If your judgement is overruled, you are encouraged to seek advice and guidance from a peer or colleague on how best to respond.
4.2 Conflict of Interest
You shall avoid any situation that may give rise to a conflict of interest between you and your relevant authority. You shall make full and immediate disclosure to them if any conflict is likely to occur or be seen by a third party as likely to occur.
4.3 Confidentiality
Maritime Security Professional’s must respect privacy and confidentiality of information and understand that they are privileged to access certain information as a result of their professional activities. You shall not disclose or authorise to be disclosed, or use for personal gain or to benefit a third party, confidential information except with the permission of your relevant authority, or at the direction of a court of law.
4.4 Use of Information
You shall not misrepresent or withhold information on the findings of security reports, performance of systems or services, or take advantage of the lack of relevant knowledge or inexperience of others.
4.5 Competition
Maritime Security Professional’s might, from time to time, provide services to relevant authorities who may be in competition with each other or who offer similar products or services. If this is the case, Maritime Security Professional’s must declare any potential conflict of interest which might arise.
4.6 Delivery of Services
Maritime Security Professional’s shall strive to deliver the most cost effective solutions consistent with the needs of the relevant authority.
5.0 Duty to the Profession and MarSecPro (The International Association of Maritime Security Professionals)
5.1 Reputation
You shall uphold the reputation and good standing of the MarSecPro standard in particular, and the maritime security profession in general, and shall seek to improve professional standards through the MarSecPro Code of Practice and through participation in their development, use and enforcement.
5.1.1 As a Maritime Security Professional you also have a wider responsibility to promote good practice and, whenever practical, to counter misinformation that brings or could bring the profession into disrepute.
5.1.2 You should encourage and support fellow Maritime Security Professional’s in their professional development.
5.2 Integrity
You shall act with integrity in your relationships with all Maritime Security Professional’s and with members of other professions with whom you work in a professional capacity.
5.3 Representation
You shall have due regard for the possible consequences of your statements on others. You shall not make any public statement in your professional capacity unless you are properly qualified and, where appropriate, authorised to do so. You shall not claim to represent MarSecPro unless authorised to do so. For the elimination of doubt, this would normally only be Directors and Officials of The International Association of Maritime Security Professional’s, unless otherwise specifically invited to do so.
5.3.1 The offering of an opinion in public, holding oneself out to be an expert in the subject in question, is a major personal responsibility and should not be undertaken lightly.
5.3.2 To give an opinion that subsequently proves ill founded is a disservice to the profession, and to MarSecPro.
5.4 Conduct
Maritime Security Professional’s should not conduct themselves in a manner which is seriously prejudicial to MarSecPro and should not officially represent any organisation whose aims and objectives are damaging to MarSecPro.
5.5 Notification
You are required to notify MarSecPro if convicted of a criminal offence or upon becoming bankrupt or disqualified as a Company Director. Not all convictions are seen as relevant to holding MarSecPro membership and each case will be considered individually.
6.0 Professional Competence and Integrity
6.1 Career Professional Development
You shall seek to upgrade your professional knowledge and skill, and shall maintain awareness of technological developments, procedures and standards which are relevant to your field, and encourage your subordinates to do likewise.
6.2 Scope of Competence
You shall not claim any level of competence that you do not possess. You shall only offer to do work or provide a service that is within your professional competence.
6.3 Self-Assessment
You can self-assess your professional competence for undertaking a particular job or role by asking, for example:
6.3.1 Am I familiar with the service involved, or have I delivered similar services before?
6.3.2 Have I successfully completed similar assignments or roles in the past?
6.3.3 Can I demonstrate adequate knowledge of the specific job requirements to successfully to undertake the work?
6.4 Responsibility
You shall accept professional responsibility for your work and for the work of colleagues who you may be responsible for and are under your direction.
By signing this form you agree to be bound by the conditions of The International Association of Maritime Security Professional’s (MarSecPro) Code of Practice set out above:
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