THE Panama Maritime Authority has accredited Estonia's ESC Global Security personnel to offer protection aboard Panamanian-flagged ships, the first private maritime security company (PMSC) to be licensed by the new Panama Administration.
"This is a milestone since it is the first licence to be issued following the Panama government's review of the PMSC application process," said ESC Global Security CEO Jaanus Rahumagi.
During December 2014, a new set of rules including a new licence fee for PMSCs was introduced whereby failure to comply would result in the revocation or suspension of a security company's operating licence.
The new rules also include more stringent requirements for the registration of armed guards and the way in which private maritime security companies are audited.
The new Panamanian rules are in place to ensure security companies are in compliance with or go beyond the requirements outlined by the IMO in Resolution MSC.349 (92), which entered into force in January 2015.
Said Mr Rahumagi: "Ships off Somalia, West Africa and the Indonesian archipelago continue to be attacked by pirates, which can result not only in the loss of assets but also in the loss of life. We cannot expect our merchant seamen to be soldiers or to understand the complex Rules of Engagement in different waters; it's not their job," said Mr Rahumagi.
"Crews and ships must be able to go about their business in a safe and secure environment and this accreditation is testament to the first-class professionalism of our security personnel and their ability to ensure the safe, secure transit of the vessels on which they serve."
ESC Global Security was licensed to provide security services on Belgium-flagged vessels, marking the first PMSC licence issued by that country.
Other flag states that have implemented accreditation regimes for PMSCs have also accredited the Estonia-based company including Luxembourg, Cyprus and Croatia. In total, ESC security guards serve on the vessels of over 26 flag states, said the company statement.
The Panama Maritime Authority carried out its first accreditation process between May 2012 and January 2013, before closing the door on new applications. ESC Global Security is one of the first companies to be accredited under the new regime.
In its Merchant Marine Circular MMC-245, Panama said: "The use of privately contracted armed security personnel should not be considered as an alternative to best management practices and other protective measures. Placing armed guards onboard as a means to secure and protect the ship and its crew should only be considered after a risk assessment has been carried out."
SAFETY&SECURITY
10 March 2015 - 20:26
ESC Global Security wins flag state licence to arm its flagged ships
THE Panama Maritime Authority has accredited Estonia's ESC Global Security personnel to offer protection aboard Panamanian-flagged ships, the first private maritime security company (PMSC) to be licensed by the new Panama Administration.
SAFETY&SECURITY
10 March 2015 - 20:26
ESC Global Security wins flag state licence to arm its flagged ships
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