Due to a dramatic increase in reported assaults and other crimes onboard cruise ships and in seaports, Kim E. Petersen, one of the world’s best known and respected maritime security authorities, has accepted a position to provide litigation support and expert witness services to the legal and maritime community.

He will serve as the principal litigation support consultant with Pathfinder Maritime LLC, an international maritime consultancy in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Mr. Petersen is a former senior executive and director of security with Princess Cruises and Renaissance Cruises. CNN International described him as, “one of the world’s leading experts on maritime security”. He has over 30 years of combined experience in maritime security, special operations, national security, and intelligence operations. In 2006 he was named the Governor Emeritus of the Maritime Security Council, which represents over 70% of the world’s shipping.

“With the tremendous growth of the cruise industry, coupled with a commensurate rise in crimes and incidents at sea and in ports worldwide, there is a critical need for expertise and experience in support of civil litigation – both for plaintiffs and defendants. I look forward to providing legal teams with the necessary professional insights and guidance to ensure a just outcome in their case,” said Petersen.

Petersen is the founder of such companies as HydroSEC, SeaSecure, and the Mobius Security Group, and is frequently seen on network news programs presenting expert commentary on maritime incidents, crime, security and counterterrorism. He has worked for President George H.W. Bush and former Secretaries of State Henry A. Kissinger and Alexander M. Haig, and has held senior staff positions at the US Senate and US Department of Defense.

Pathfinder Maritime LLC said in a statement that Petersen will be providing a variety of services to law firms and maritime clients, including case analysis, evaluation, and development; records review; and, expert testimony on maritime issues, including but not limited to:

• Cruise ship security & safety issues
• Assault investigations and statutory obligations for carriers
• Compliance with the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010
• Vessel and seaport CCTV systems, access controls, alarms, and safety measures
• Crew and staff training
• Shore excursion operations, safety, and security
• Casino and dram shop operations
• Industry standards for criminal & terrorist risk mitigation
• ISPS Code & MTSA regulatory obligations of vessel operators and seaports
• Other maritime security and safety issues relating to cruise ships, merchant vessels, domestic and foreign seaports, and shore excursions