LONDON, 25 MARCH 2014: Protection Vessels International (PVI), part of Protection Group International and the world’s leading provider of private maritime security services, today announced that it has achieved ISO/PAS 28007 certification from Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).
The partnership with LRQA was initiated in April 2013, making PVI one of the first private maritime security companies (PMSCs) to participate in the ISO/PAS 28007 pilot scheme. It sets the benchmark for PMSCs who want to demonstrate to the international community that they, and the operatives they supply, are of the right quality to legally, safely and effectively guard commercial shipping on the high seas.
Until now, there has never been one universal standard for private maritime security; a definitive benchmark that comprehensively encapsulates every aspect of a PMSC and how it should be delivering its services effectively. The introduction of ISO/PAS 28007 (annexed to the ISO 28000 Security Management Systems for the Supply Chain) has provided a framework for a universal set of standards and has been specifically created for ship owners and operators to support them in deciding whether or not the risk that they are taking has been properly evaluated, calculated and assessed.
One of three global management system certifiers that has participated in the pilot, LRQA is a member of the Lloyd’s Register group and recognised as a leader in quality and security management standards by the shipping community. The assessment is completed in two audit stages, during which the certification body rigorously examines the PMSC’s risk management systems, security management systems, legal and company infrastructure arrangements, operations management, incident management, training standards, recruitment procedures, client interface and internal audit systems. All business locations are evaluated, including those overseas, as well as the management of third party agents operating on the PMSC’s behalf.
Eric Conway, managing director, PVI, commented:
“The introduction of ISO/PAS 28007 provides a universal standard for risk assessment. It represents a landmark in the professionalisation of PMSCs and provides shipowners and operators, as well as Flag States with a foundation for future due diligence. ISO/PAS 28007 sets the benchmark for PMSCs who want to demonstrate to the international community that they, and the operatives they supply, are of the right quality to legally, safely and effectively guard commercial shipping on the high seas. We are therefore delighted to have been certified by LRQA, an organisation with such strong maritime credentials.
“As the largest PMSC in terms of both number of transits and operational footprint, PVI has actively supported the development of this standard since its inception in late 2012. We firmly believe that clear boundaries and standards are central to the on going development of private maritime security, and critical to effectively safeguarding the assets and reputation of shipowners and operators transiting high-risk areas. Legal compliance, professionalism, quality and excellence must be the cornerstones of any PMSC that wants to remain part of this maturing industry.”
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole national body recognised by government to assess evaluating organisations, such as certification bodies including LRQA, against international standards. UKAS began assessment of the certification bodies’ in June 2013 and has now closed the pilot process, allowing certification bodies to issue official UKAS accredited certification to qualifying PMSCs.
About Protection Vessels International:
Protection Vessels International (PVI) is the world leader in armed maritime security, providing safe passage to vessels transiting areas of the world at risk of piracy and maritime terrorism. With the largest operational footprint of any private maritime security company, PVI consults and advises on all aspects of maritime security, with the provision of patrol boats to escort shipping, security teams aboard vessels and training for ship’s crews to deal with various security situations. Through deterrence and prevention, PVI is capable of providing robust physical defence for vessels as and where required.
PVI is part of Protection Group International (PGI), a risk management company that is centred on intelligence-led integrated risk mitigation and response solutions in complex environments. The company provides world class expertise on corporate intelligence and risk analysis, maritime security, cyber security and forensics, training and consultancy. www.pviltd.com
About ISO/PAS 28007
ISO 28000 is a risk based quality management system for the security of operations and activities conducted by organisations. ISO 28007 sets out guidance for applying ISO 28000 to PMSCs and key components fall into two main groups; management of the security system and procedural aspects. Management of the security system includes areas such as security risk assessments, clearly defined management responsibilities, internal audits of operations, and legal and other regulatory requirements. Procedural aspects encapsulate rules of authority, contractor selection, screening and vetting, training, authorising licensing of firearms, prevention of incidents, incident management and emergency response, investigation and reporting of incidents, procedures for detainment, identification, interface with crew and familiarisation.
