Classification society https://www.bureauveritas.com/wps/wcm/connect/bv_com/group[Bureau Veritas] and French maritime security consultants https://www.securymind.com[Securymind] are now working together to provide an auditing and verification service for companies providing armed guards to protect ships against piracy.
Security companies offering services to shipping will be audited against the requirements set down by the “Scheme for Quality Management Systems of Private Maritime Security Companies” established by Bureau Veritas and Securymind.
Based on IMO Guidance
The scheme is based on IMO guidance set out in MSC1405 “Revised Interim Guidance To Shipowners, Ship Operators, and Shipmasters on the Use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel on Board Ships in The High Risk Area”. Security companies which meet these standards will be issued with an attestation by Bureau Veritas and will be listed in the BV Register of Private Maritime Security Companies. This should help shipowners choose reliable and bona-fide security firms.
