Security is an important aspect of the maritime industry, but the nature of maritime operations subjects ship security to various challenges. Security operatives who work in maritime therefore have to be highly trained, be they close protection operatives or ship security officers.
The most notorious threat on the high seas is the threat of modern piracy. It’s an expensive, and dangerous, problem, costing the shipping business over 12 billion dollars per year. It’s certainly no lightweight issue, and in certain regions, around Somalia for instance, the threat of piracy is ever-present. In the modern
day, one of the main roles of security professionals is to protect ships who are exposed to piracy.
Piracy exists in many forms and can have several consequences. One pirate attack could cost a ship a relatively insignificant amount of money, whereas another could lead to hostage taking and loss of life. Modern pirates are often heavily armed and so often the threat can’t be very easily neutralised, however the outcome can be affected by the level of training of operatives on board.
A ship security officer course could reduce the likelihood not necessarily of loss of money, but certainly will reduce the chances of hostages being taken and loss of life. Maritime training covers various aspects of maritime security, including risk assessment, conflict management and general interpersonal skills.
Often piracy is the result of social deprivation in politically unstable nations. Sadly, these root causes can’t very easily be dealt with, however, at the very least, maritime professionals can be well equipped with training to deal with threats if they do occur.
