Feral Jundi

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Maritime Security: Germany Authorizes Their Ships To Use Private Armed Security

Filed under: Germany,Maritime Security — Tags: , , , , — Matt @ 1:40 PM

This is good news for German private security companies and German shipping. With the blessing of their government, now they have a means of securing PSC’s to legally protect their country’s ships. The German shipping market is big as well, so this should lead to an increase of contracts for PSC’s in this market.

I also like the quote about the monopoly of the use of force. All I can say is Max Weber is rolling in his grave right now! lol

The government had until now always rejected such a solution, unwilling to give up the state’s monopoly on the use of legitimate force.

But seriously, this was the right move. If the state cannot provide that protection because of other commitments or a lack of government funding, then of course allowing private industry to contract with PSC’s is the next best thing.  The shipping companies can also choose the best company that meets their needs.

The other interesting quote was the study that was done on how many shipping companies had already contracted armed security:

Shipping firms have started taking matters into their own hands, with a study published last week by the consultancy firm PwC showing 27 German ships already carry armed security men on board, with a further six employing unarmed security operatives. Just 17 percent of the 100 firms questioned said they thought the ‘Atalanta’ mission added to safety in the pirate regions.
The Association of German Ship Owners (VDR) confirmed the move towards employing armed guards, but said it was only a second-best solution.

If just 27 ships out of this survey group of 100 have armed security, and that only 17 % thought the Atalanta task force mission of protection was successful, then do the math?  Not to mention an increase of attacks on German boats. The German PSC market should see pretty drastic growth now that the government is blessing this, and those companies positioned to be first movers on this market will do well. Did I mention that German ship owners control 3,500 ships, the world’s third largest fleet? Interesting stuff. –Matt

Ships turn to private security to fight pirates
July 21, 2011
German ships braving the waters off Somalia will now be able to officially employ private security firms to fight off attacks by pirates, after the government admitted it could not provide the protection itself.
State secretary in the economics ministry responsible for maritime affairs, Hans-Joachim Otto, said on Thursday that he could not answer the repeated calls from shipping companies for soldiers or armed police officers to accompany their boats.
“We don’t want desperadoes, so we are looking into a certification,” said Otto. He said security firms offering protection would have to meet certain standards. The government had until now always rejected such a solution, unwilling to give up the state’s monopoly on the use of legitimate force.
He said the number of pirate attacks on German ships had risen from 100 to 163 during the first half of 2011. The number of successful hijackings had dropped though, from 27 in the first half of 2010 to 21 in the first six months of this year.

(more…)

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Company Spotlight: The Security Association For The Maritime Industry

Filed under: Company Spotlight,Industry Talk,Maritime Security — Tags: , , , , — Matt @ 12:01 PM

I wanted to bring attention to this specific trade group, just because groups like this are great resources for guys looking for companies to work for. If you go to SAMI’s membership directory, you will see a number of companies that have signed on. Which is great, because at least if you get a job with that particular company who is a member, you can use the association as a means of keeping that company in check.

But like with the ISOA, if SAMI does nothing about complaints or does not have the courage to punish members, then what good is the association? It’s value in my opinion, is it’s ability to keep it’s members in check and keep them on the path of ‘doing the right thing’. Companies who treat their contractors poorly, or rip off clients, and who are members of these associations, in turn tarnish the reputation of those associations and the members that have signed on to such a group. So to me, it is ridiculous that an association ‘would not’ punish a member or expel them from the group, if they violated the codes that they and everyone signed onto.

The other problem with associations is that when a member pays good money to be a member of the group, and the officers and operations of that trade group depend upon those membership dues, then it becomes very difficult for these guys to punish members who do bad things. It’s like biting the hand that feeds you, and it is this financial component that works against the strength of an association–if they claim to abide by some standard or code of conduct. Of course an association needs operating funds to keep working on behalf of the association, but you can see the potential conflict of interest here?

Overall, I appreciate the efforts of these associations, because it gives the various clients out there another tool for their research. It also gives companies that believe in a certain standard, to gather and show their support for such a standard. These associations are also key to organizing industry, so that it can effectively communicate consensus. You can have a thousand chaotic and disjointed voices screaming for attention, or you can have one clear and concise voice backed by a thousand people.

But, I should also remind these associations that if you fail to listen and act on the concerns or complaints of clients, the public or the contractors that work for these member companies, then what good is your association? –Matt

Link to association here. (the website is under construction, and it is listed in my associations category for future reference)

 


The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) provides an independent regulatory trade association for maritime security companies.
Providing credibility, trust and respect, SAMI introduces a level of regulatory discipline and scrutiny to ensure that the maritime industry can easily identify reputable maritime security companies. SAMI provides reassurance and guidance, where none has existed before and establishes the benchmark for standards within the industry.
SAMI as a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), represents the industry at an international level in a balanced and cogent manner with transparency, honesty and integrity.
The membership encompasses maritime security providers, consultants, trainers, individual operatives and the maritime security equipment, technology and hardware manufacturers – to provide direct links to the commercial shipping industry, offshore oil & gas industry and ports too.

(more…)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Jobs: Multiple Positions With AdvanFort, OCONUS

Filed under: Job Tips,Jobs,Maritime Security — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 2:21 PM

Ok, here is the deal with this one folks. After that last article I posted that mentioned AdvanFort, I thought it would be cool to put up an ad from their career section.  The list of jobs do not mention armed security positions, but I am sure they either have a database they are drawing from for security contractor positions, or they are subcontracting with another company. Who knows, but I thought it would be cool to at least put it out there for folks to think about and throw a resume at.

With my last post, there was a crucial piece of information that gave me the idea to put up a job ad for this company. Here it is: “announced that for the month of March 2011, the company completed a record 108 security missions, covering 127,000 nautical miles—a 35% increase in monthly escort missions compared to February, and a new milestone for the Company.” With that kind of surge in business, this is a company to watch. Although I cannot endorse them, and definitely do your due diligence with this company before signing a contract. I am not the POC for these jobs, and follow the links or use the email below to explore any work options with this company. Good luck. –Matt

AdvanFort is committed to provide the best service for our customers. We offer exciting and challenging career opportunities for our various operations. We look for people with exceptional skills, integrity, and professionalism. We also look for motivated workers who are committed to work in our headquarters in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia.
We provide a productive and organized work environment conducive for the professional and personal growth of our employees.
AdvanFort is an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Current Openings: Boat Captain, Chief Mate, Chief Engineer, 2nd Engineer, Bosun, Filter, Able,  Seaman, Oiler, Wiper, Radio Operator, Chief Cook

Applicant may send their resume at info@advanfort.com
Career section of Advanfort here.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Maritime Security: ICS Changes Policy, Backs Private Armed Guards To Beat Pirates

Filed under: Maritime Security,Somalia — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Matt @ 2:03 AM

     Polemis said the decision had been made during a meeting in London last week because “many shipping companies have concluded that arming ships is a necessary alternative to avoiding the Indian Ocean completely, which would have a hugely damaging impact on the movement of world trade.” 

     This is big folks.  News like this can invigorate the demand for armed private security on boats and really fire up this aspect of the industry.  Which is good, because there are a ton of capable veterans/security specialists out there ready to jump on this stuff.

    Hell, with most of these maritime contracts being very short in duration, I could see guys actually planning to do a contract here or there just for a change of pace from Iraq or Afghanistan.  But on the down side, these short term contracts are what turns off some folks.  Meaning sometimes guys like stability within their contract, and they like to hang their hat on a good gig for awhile.

     And for the guys that are truly experienced and qualified to do this stuff, they will require a price to match or exceed what they would be earning for their efforts in Iraq or Afghanistan. The quotes I am hearing for pay for these types of gigs is kind of low if you ask me. Like I said, if the industry expands and there is a high demand for qualified individuals, the companies/clients will have to pay the price.  Because in this industry, you get what you pay for.

    What will really be exciting is to see what companies rise to the top as the best private naval companies? It will really be interesting to see how this private navy backed by JLT turns out?  Perhaps these talks are connected to the efforts of this insurance company and we will get some more scoop on their operations in the near future?

     Either way, I am glad to hear that the ICS (which represents around 80 percent of the world’s merchant fleet) has changed their minds and listened to reason in regards to armed guards on boats. It is the right thing to do and this industry will certainly do what it can to meet their needs. Plus, the economics of continuing to pay ransoms and fueling a piracy industry or the amount of time and money lost by re-routing ships in order to avoid this piracy scourge is also a huge factor in making this decision. –Matt

The Voice of International Shipping

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are the principal international trade association and employers’ organisation for merchant ship operators, representing all sectors and trades and about 80% of the world merchant fleet.

15 February 2011 – Shipping Industry Changes Stance on Armed Guards

ICS – whose Executive Committee comprising representatives of national shipowners’ associations from over 30 countries met in London last week – has decided to clarify its stance on the use of private armed security guards to defend merchant ships against attacks by Somali pirates. ICS members have also identified a vital need for the military to disable the hijacked ‘motherships’…

Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Coast of Somalia

Website for ICS/ISF here.

——————————————————————

Shippers back private armed guards to beat pirates

Feb 15, 2011

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has changed its policy on private armed guards, and now accepts operators must be able to defend their ships against rising pirate attacks, the chamber said on Tuesday.

The ICS, which represents around 80 percent of the world’s merchant fleet, has so far discouraged its members from the use of private armed guards on its vessels.

“ICS has had to acknowledge that the decision to engage armed guards, whether military or private, is a decision to be made by the ship operator after due consideration of all of the risks, and subject to the approval of the vessel’s flag state and insurers,” the Chairman of the London-based ICS, Spyros M Polemis said in a statement.

Polemis said the decision had been made during a meeting in London last week because “many shipping companies have concluded that arming ships is a necessary alternative to avoiding the Indian Ocean completely, which would have a hugely damaging impact on the movement of world trade.”

(more…)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Letter Of Marque: War Of 1812 Privateers Website

Filed under: Cool Stuff,History,Letter Of Marque,Maritime Security — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Matt @ 7:35 PM

     Now this is a cool resource for those of you out there that are researching the LoM and it’s possible uses for modern times.  The War of 1812 provides many examples of how this concept was used by all sides, and how involved private industry really was during that war. The legal references mentioned in the Prize Court section are very good as well.

     What is interesting here is the culmination of hundreds of years of admiralty courts and privateering present in the conduct of all sides. The legal mechanisms, the regulations, the codes of conduct for privateers, the tactics–all of it evolved over time and presented itself in this war.  I often wonder how modern technology and legal processes could have contributed to this type of naval warfare? Or better yet, what would privateering and the LoM look like if it never went out of style? Check it out and let me know what you think. –Matt

War of 1812: Privateers

The War of 1812 saw the apogee of privateering; with the activities of American privateers greatly adding to the offensive capability of the United States.The information available on the privateers and letters of marque is far greater than generally realized, with much material held in the uk at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

This site aims to make this information, particularly on American POWs, more widely available.

This sites aim is to provide research sources for the study of privateering during the War of 1812.

Much of the data was gathered as part of a project for the, late, Institute of Maritime Studies , University of St. Andrews with most of the material coming from the National Archives at Kew, London.

May 2010…update:

Two works are currently in progress:

The indexing of Lloyd’s List for the period 1812-1814; as yet 1812 completed that has generated 26,000 entries.

Indexing of the Registers of letters of marque against France 1793-1815:

The period 1803-1815, Adm 7/649, is now available.

this will give every British armed merchant ship which operated during this period and the name of the master.

Further as a new Letter of marque had to be issued with each change of master, it will give an indication of a master’s career over this period to which voyage information can be found through Lloyd’s List.

Link to website here.

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