I thought that this was cool, and certainly a positive trend in the industry. When the insurance companies think it is a good idea to offer security professionals to ship owners, that want reduced cost insurance plan, then that means it must make sense financially for the insurance company. That these companies are probably getting sick of paying out large sums of money to professional kidnap and ransom crews that operate in such places like the Gulf of Aden. This concept is nothing new to the industry, what I do like about the latest focus on piracy, is the potential of more work for security contractors.
Now on the security side of things, hopefully Hart is providing everything the guys in the field need in order to protect these ships. There are so many rules and laws that completely hamstring some of these maritime operations, or the companies themselves shortchange the security forces tasked with protecting the client and their ship because of cost. I am not saying Hart would do such a thing, but these are the issues that come to mind once we start talking about security on the high seas.
These pirate crews, thanks to the exorbitant bounties they have been getting lately, are able to invest in some heavy duty firepower and boats. Will security operations be able to deal with this effectively? Who knows, but I do know that this issue should be looked at seriously by those involved with the operation. With a ship, getting off the ‘X’ or kill zone is a lot tougher than with convoy operations on a road. You cannot run away and in the high seas, the ‘bigger stick’ does make all the difference.
It’s the same thing for convoy operations in Iraq or Afghanistan and how the companies carry out those contracts. As a security specialist (speaking for myself), I want all the tools (weapons, armor, sound vehicles, etc.) necessary to do the job of protecting the client and team. I also want sound leadership that know their stuff, has the courage to do what is right, and takes care of their people. And taking care of your people means someone that is not afraid to train the team to a level of extreme unit cohesion/intelligence, and fighting for the team when they have issues or need certain tools to do the job. The pay is important, but not the most important issue out in the field.
I want to be with a team that will give me the highest odds of survival and mission accomplishment so I can come home to spend that money I earned. And you know what the say– ‘Dead clients don’t pay’, so it pays to focus on taking care of your security force. I say God bless the company that understands this concept and makes it a priority, and God damn the company that puts more of a priority on cost and completely ignores these concepts of sound leadership and taking care of their people. –Head Jundi
6 October 2008
Protected Gulf of Aden Voyages
Hart Security is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with Swinglehurst Limited in a move that sees the benefits of security and insurance combined to offer the best all round protection on voyages in the Gulf of Aden.
Swinglehurst now offers Shipowners, either directly or via their brokers, War Risk Cover including the risks of Piracy, for voyages within the Gulf of Aden where vessels are protected by Hart personnel. The comfort afforded by the involvement of Hart will enable extremely attractive insurance rates to be offered.
Key Elements of the product
• Cover placed 100% at Lloyd’s
• Vessels protected by Hart Security Team during voyages
• Piracy included within War coverage
• Attractive insurance terms aligned with preferential market rates from Hart
• Hull values up to USD 75,000,000
• War P & I up to USD 75,000,000
• Detention cover to protect Loss of Earnings if required
• No deductible for Physical Damage Cover
Notice of voyages should be given 14 days in advance so that arrangements for protection can be made.
Hart is a recognised market leader in the provision of maritime security solutions to the transportation and energy sectors. Working closely with governments, regulatory bodies and industry, Hart is able to provide practical security solutions to meet clients’ requirements.
Hart’s Maritime Department has extensive experience from both the military and commercial sectors in providing waterborne security. The company provides consultancy services, personnel and vessels for Anchorage and Oilfield Waterborne Security Support, Exclusion Zone Enforcement, Sub-Surface Detection/Deterrence and Anti-piracy Support Services for Governments and industry.
Their experience in providing Waterborne Security Services worldwide include: Anti-piracy Services in the Gulf of Aden and Malacca Straits, EEZ Fisheries Protection Operations along the coast of East Africa and Exclusion Zone Enforcement and Maritime Counter Terrorism training courses for the Yemen Ministry of Defence.
The Swinglehurst Group was founded in 1999 and is a leading independent insurance broker in the London market. Based in the City of London Swinglehurst also has representative offices in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro); Chile (Santiago); China (Shanghai); Colombia (Bogotá); Uruguay (Montevideo); USA (Miami). They provide brokerage and claims services in the following classes of insurance business: Marine, Non-Marine, Renewable Energy, Aquaculture, Life (Accident and Health), Motor, Travel Insurance and Warranty.
For Insurance enquires please contact:
Paul Agate (paul.agate@swinglehurst.co.uk) Mobile: +44 7970 719837 or
Mike Maloney (mike.maloney@swinglehurst.co.uk) Mobile: +44 7967 561049
www.swinglehurst.co.uk
For Hart Waterborne Security Services please contact:
Carina Dixon (cdixon@hartsecurity.com) Telephone: +44 20 7751 0771