Idarat Maritime's Standards
The World is witnessing a huge surge in maritime piracy in particular and the threat to maritime security in general. Despite major efforts by the International Maritime Organizations, individual flag states and other NGO's has piracy shows no sign of diminishing and may increase as the world economic downturn takes hold.
Idarat Maritime also argues that the present situation whereby ad hoc "security" personnel, who frequently lack maritime training or experience, is failing to provide effective security to vessels in many situations and that only by the establishment of new standards will this situation be remedied. New standards will enable shipping companies, and their insurers, to make better, more informed, judgments on levels of risk. The provision of onboard security operatives is also extremely expensive and, in contrast, the Idarat "Fitness to Transit" ™ Model can save shipowners large sums of money. Idarat Maritime also contends that land-focused security companies do not at present have the necessary training, seamanship, nor general experience in maritime security nor do they operate to a code or standard that gives any degree of confidence to their clients, or their insurers. An industry training standard for maritime security operatives will greatly enhance their effectiveness. Currently there is a degree of confusion and disenchantment within the maritime industry on the services being offered and where there has been no sets of standards, codes of practice nor certification. Idarat Maritime, working with shipowners, insurers and lawyers, has undertaken to create a system of standards, which it will make freely available to the industry and insurers, which it believes can form the basis for a new international-agreed set of maritime standards. In the meantime Idarat Maritime will provide its services in accordance with these standards and will offer to train other operators' personnel to its standards, which we believe set the benchmark for the industry. |
 in the news: SomaliaTo actually hijack the ships, the pirates first use grappling hooks and irons - some of which are even rocket-propelled - and climb aboard using ropes and ladders. The pirates have also on occasion fired at the ships to scare them into stopping, so it is easier for them to board the vessel. The pirates then sail the hijacked ship to the Somali pirate hub town, Eyl. There, pirates usually take the hostages ashore where they are normally well-looked after until a ransom is paid. The BBC, 9 Jan. 2009 Ship owners require resilience, not merely security |
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Idarat Maritime believes that the existing standards for maritime security now need to be updated and enhanced in order to deal with the current situation. The revised standards need to be systematic and resilient and be based on a comprehensive training and audit procedures. In Idarat's opinion the introduction of better procedures, standards and training throughout the industry, will greatly improve maritime security and also enable insurers to reduce their exposure to risk. 
