Draft Standard for Private Maritime Security Companies Discussed at European Commission in Brussels

Last week, the European Commission in Brussels hosted the International Organization for Standardization’s second meeting on ISO PAS 28007, its draft standard for private maritime security companies.

The meeting was chaired by Robin Townsend of Lloyd’s Register, the ISO project leader for piracy. Attendees included senior representatives from the Commission, the International Maritime Organization secretariat, Nato, the Security Association for the Maritime Industry, BIMCO, the African Maritime Safety and Security Agency, marine insurers and specialist lawyers.

A panel of experts led the debate, examining in detail the latest draft of ISO PAS 28007. The panel also analysed the implications for insurance within the standard; rules for the use of force; the selection and control of firearms; the size of teams on board and issues surrounding command and control.

According to Mr Townsend, the group focused on, “the crucial elements of the ISO PAS, such as the planning, control and operation of PMSC activities when they place armed guards on board ships and, most importantly, how they identify all the various legal requirements that they have to comply with and how they demonstrate that they are acting correctly in all cases.”

“When the text is accepted, PMSCs can finalise their plans for certification and the critical aspects of accreditation can be agreed. The first accredited certification remains therefore on track for the middle of next year,” said Mr Townsend.

Commission representative Christian Dupont closed the meeting, welcoming the steps being taken to ensure armed guards operated to defined standards.

The draft standard is to be delivered to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee on 26 November 2012, however, many questions remain unanswered in respect of the implications for insurance coverage.

For the full article, please see Lloyd’s List.