Passenger Vessel Security Services

Passenger Vessel Security

In the wake of 9/11 the world has changed dramatically in respect to travelling in the leisure industry. MS Services and Philosophy for the maritime security have overnight become the Industry Benchmark due to the existing strict security guidelines and practices that have evolved since 1986 and been applied to all sectors of passenger vessels. MS aims to operate in a controlled environment where access to the vessel, her perimeter and the souls on board can be monitored through our systems and procedures by our highly trained teams through a number of measures.

Shore Side Support

In today’s unstable Socio-Economical environment there is an increased threat level from multiple criminal elements such as Terrorists, Pirates, Kidnappers, Thieves, and Vandalisms etc. Traditionally the high risk areas have been the Coast of Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Yemen, however recently we are witnessing a rise of multiple incidents in many popular ports and destinations such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, S. America, S. Pacific, Singapore and the Gulf of Aden.

MS Philosophy promotes a perfect balance between a multi-level integrated yacht security while still ensuring a discrete presence on board and shore side close protection protocol. An ‘Invincible Sphere’ between perfect Balance & Convenience. Our Services are customized to mitigate the risks of each yacht separately however we operate under distinct principles with our highest qualified Maritime Security Operators (MARSEC) with significant experience and a proven track record on Passenger Vessels. For the Yacht Security Division we handpick the best performers from a pool of 300 active MARSEC’s.

Planning Stage

• Receive through the Yacht CSO all the vessel technical details, indented itinerary, pax list, and suggested ETA @ RV Point
• SSA - Ship Security Assessment is conducted through the OC with the Team based on the info received from the CSO
• SSP - Ship Security Plan will be developed according to the SSA, all Procedures, Personnel and Equipment will be reviewed and approved by the Client CSO
• Embarkation Coordination with the Yacht Master, the Port Agent and the Port Authorities

Embarkation

• Introduction to the Vessel’s Master, Crew and PAX (upon Master Approval)
• Introduction to the Master of the SSP
• Initial sweep to secure the vessel and revise the SSP if needed
• Security Briefing to Master and Crew (and to Pax if passing through HRA) by TL, introduction of protection plan (hardening & positioning if in HRA)
• Cleaning and testing of all security equipment (away from the pax area)
• Testing vessel’s communication equipment for readiness

In Transit

• Guard assignment on a 24/7 rotation basis
• Familiarization with Radar Equipment and vigilant observation by binoculars and through the radar
• Continuous live threat updates from the OC
• Continuous patrolling at the beginning of every shift change for confirmation that all access points are properly secured and latched
• While in the HRA Zone or nearby advised in cruising at maximum speed
• While in the HRA Zone use vessel lightning and pressence correctly to increase visible readiness
• Lights should be minimized while in HRA
• AIS must be turned off while in HRA
• While in HRA maintain close conduct with Naval Forces in the area and plan route accordingly
• Use of Force will be enforced only as a last resort and will be upon final approval by the Master

Open Water Anchorage

• Guards on duty 24/7
• During the night, lights aimed outwards
• Anchor as close to "safe shores" as possible
• Established communication with local coast guard

Port Docking And Port Anchorage

• Guards on Gangway duty 24/7
• Provide unarmed close protection services on as needed basis as long as one guard will be on duty back on the vessel
• Once all pax & crew are back on board, gangway recovered and secured
• Close communication with the port authorities

Team Disembarkation

• Coordinating disembarkation via the port agent, the OC and the port authorities
• All equipment to be cleaned and stored safely and ready to disembark for a bonded storage facility
• Summary meeting with the Master and Owner (if requested)
• Safe Disembarkation