New security standard for PMSCs launches

The formal audit process for a new ‘bolt on’ International Standards Organisation (ISO) certificate launches in Spring following its publication in December last year.

The ISO 28007 sets out guidance for Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) and acts as the follow on standard to the ISO 28000 certificate. Covering items including responsibilities, training and competency, security system performance and procedural aspects the ISO says it will ‘raise the bar’ in security.

It requires companies to demonstrate a full train of compliance and must be audited by a third party approved by ISO, such as Lloyds and the UK certification body UKAS.

The superyacht industry is awash with new regulations and debates on piracy, often obfuscating the relevance it has for an industry that seems to have more rules and weapons than it does attacks. But a member of the working group that developed the new ISO underlined its continued relevance.

“The big (issue) is owners are scared to take assets to Maldives and Seychelles. There’s a major need is to persuade owners and yachting management that you can take assets there safely.

“With an ISO standard they should feel safe the guys on board are up for the job,” said Lee Wilson, Global Operations manager at Solace Global Maritime, a UK provider of maritime security services.



Recent incidents of armed robbery also shows why good, accredited security teams on board are important, said Wilson, who counted ‘at least twenty’ robberies from 2012 alone. Citing an example from Antigua Yacht Show he said:

“At Antigua there was a crew member woken by an armed robber climbing on board. The vessel crew member had to pick up a knife from the galley and chase him off. If the yacht is out at anchor all they need is a small tender to rob the boat, that’s going on all the time.”

The incident serves as a reminder why security and the development of rules governing safe and efficient practice of PMSCs is still pertinent.

Related Links

Guidelines for following ISO 28007 can be downloaded from the ISO Website
Solace Global Maritime Profile | Solace Global Maritime Website
Superyacht Management Meeting: Security where on-board land-based security items will be discussed takes place on 26 June

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