As the surge in piracy attacks between 2009 and 2011 forced the maritime industry to reassess its security measures, Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) began offering armed guards as a practical defense against piracy.
However, the introduction of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) sparked a heated debate among maritime stakeholders.
In 2011, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) took a significant step, affirming that shipowners and flag states had the right to decide whether to use armed guards.
Despite the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) unclear stance on PCASP, PMSCs have remained a key player in maritime security, continuing to protect vessels in high-risk areas today.
Why ships don’t carry guns
The maritime industry has long enjoyed the benefit of “free and innocent passage”.
Article 19.1 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) states that
Passage is innocent so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State.
Additionally, it goes on to express that passage shall be considered prejudicial if the foreign vessel engages in any exercise or practice with weapons of any kind.
Another reason is that countries have laws prohibiting ships from carrying guns due to arms trafficking issues.
Insurance and Shipowners
Aside from posing additional risks to the safety of the crew, carrying guns onboard have various implications that lead to:
- Higher premiums for marine insurance.
- Additional costs for:
- Firearms licensing.
- Crew training and maintenance.
- Explosion risks for tankers (chemical, product, or oil)
- Increased violent approach of the pirates.
- Unintended consequences:
- Mistaken firing on unsuspecting vessels
- Onboard accidents or altercations
Why putting Armed Guards on ships is a big issue
Maritime security companies may not be making the headlines when it comes to security incidents involving armed guards.
But there are already events where Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel made serious errors costing innocent lives at sea.
The Enrica Lexie
On 15 February 2012, two Italian marines aboard an Italian-flagged oil tanker Enrica Lexie allegedly killed two fishermen off the western coast of India.
The incident sparked tensions between the two countries which eventually led to payment compensation to the crew members.
This issue brought into light the risks of having armed guards on board.
Excessive use of force
Another consideration between industry stakeholders and maritime security companies is the excessive use of force.
Excessive use of force is when armed guards unleash an overwhelming firepower to a perceived threat or a skiff which is still in the process of identifying as a threat.
The amount of force to be applied must be proportional to the level of threat and be just enough to thwart an attack.
Effectivity of Armed Guards
Even with heated debates regarding Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) on board merchant vessels, there is no doubt that pirate attacks declined over the years.
Shipowners quickly realized the limitations of the ISPS Code, and the positive effects of armed security personnel on board.
Flag states who prohibit the use of armed guards found themselves losing registered vessels as shipowners transfer to pro PCASP registries.
To highlight the impact of armed security personnel on board, statistics show that pirates were not able to board vessels protected with armed guards.
Top Private Maritime Security Companies
The rise in piracy attacks worldwide has driven demand for private maritime security solutions.
In response, many land-based security agencies have expanded into maritime services.
However, a select few have extensive experience in maritime security.
Here are the leading private maritime security companies:
1. Seagull Maritime Security
Specializing exclusively in maritime security, Seagull Maritime Security (SMS) safeguards commercial vessels against threats at sea, particularly piracy.
As one of the provider of top class security services, they have numerous achievements under their belt.
Key Highlights:
- Headquartered in Malta
- Expertise in High-Risk Areas (HRA):
- Gulf of Aden
- Indian Ocean
- Red Sea
- Proven track record:
- Secured hundreds of voyages since 2008
- Successfully repelled numerous pirate attacks
- Zero damage to crew or vessels under protection
2. Hart Maritime Security
Hart Maritime Security is the security arm of Hart International in the maritime sector.
Hart’s first maritime contract was providing fisheries management and protection in challenging environments off the coast of Puntland, Somalia.
Key Highlights:
- Founded in 1999
- Extensive anti-piracy experience in high-risk shipping lanes
- 100% success rate protecting over 100 shipping companies
- Tailor-made security services and intelligence assessments for oil and gas clients (ISPS Compliant)
- Global presence:
- 6 offices (Dubai, London, Limassol, Sydney, Mogadishu, Kabul)
- 300+ employees
3. Solace Global
When it comes to sector expertise in the field of maritime security, Solace Global is the name you can trust on.
Solace Global is one of the world’s leading maritime security company protecting over 5,000 vessels in commercial shipping, cruise liners, oil majors, and super yachts.
Comprehensive Services:
- Vessel protection
- Stowaway prevention
- Port and voyage threat assessments
- Crew training
- Security audits
- Maritime security consultancy
- Maritime intelligence
- Vessel tracking
Armed or unarmed solutions, backed by:
- 3 million+ man-hours of sea experience
- Global coverage, headquartered in the UK
4. MUSC
As the world’s oldest maritime security agency, MUSC have extensive experience in providing security related advice, consultancy, assessment and operations.
They have an unparalleled history of successful executions of maritime risk services including high-risk projects in some of the world’s most volatile locations.
Key Highlights:
- 40+ years of experience in ship security and protection
- Key contributor to IMO’s ISPS Code development (2001)
- Proven track record in high-risk projects:
- Libya
- Somalia
- Iraq
Elite Security Professionals:
- Former military personnel from top units
- Specialized expertise in:
- Counter-piracy measures
- Vessel hardening techniques
- Onboard security guards
Client Testimonial:
As one Captain of Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) puts it,
MUSC’s security team is professional, cooperative, and makes our crew feel safer at all times.
5. Maritime Asset Security and Training (MAST)
MAST is a pioneer in developing maritime security and risk management concepts for ships.
It is one of the first maritime security companies in the world to legally dispatch private armed guards on commercial vessels and yachts.
Track Record:
- 6,000+ transits without security failure
- Expert team:
- Former Royal Navy personnel
- Insurance and law specialists
Global Coverage:
- High-Risk Areas (HRA): Red Sea, Indian Ocean
- Regional partnerships: West African Regions, Sulu Sea
- Offices: UK, Sri Lanka, Germany, Monaco
6. Ambrey Security
Ambrey is one of the best and most equipped maritime security companies in the world.
An award winning company, they protected more ships than any other agencies in this field.
Additionally, they have their own vessel-based armories.
They operate globally, deploying the largest number of maritime security on the planet.
Accomplishments:
- 17,000+ armed transits completed
- 520 transfers/month
- 180 vessels protected/day
- 1,046 experienced guards
- 1,866 guards trained
- 1,353 firearms
- 16 owned vessels
- 111 office staff
- 10 global offices (UK headquarters)
Client-focused approach:
- Prioritizing client needs
- Delivering exceptional maritime security solutions
7. Neptune P2P Group
Founded by two former members of the UK’s Special Forces in 2009, Neptune Maritime Security was a response to the growing number of Somali Piracy.
Key Highlights
- Responds to growing piracy threats
- 6,000+ transits completed
- 94% client satisfaction rating
- Global Presence:
- UK headquarters
- UAE base
Specialized Expertise:
- Risk consultancy
- Tailor-made security solutions for:
- Merchant vessels
- Cruise ships
- Superyachts
- Oil and gas
- Ports and terminals
8. Securewest International
Securewest International has over 30 years of experience in different sectors of global security.
Though not a fully maritime security company, their maritime security teams are one of the best in the world.
Areas of Expertise:
- Gulf of Aden
- Persian Gulf
- Indian Ocean
- Gulf of Guinea
24/7 Global Response Center:
- Immediate assistance for vessels
- Monitoring and management of Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS)
Compliance and Certifications:
- ISPS Code compliant (SOLAS 1974 Convention)
- ISO 28007 certified
- Flag State and international requirements met
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
Although not exclusively a maritime security company, Securewest’s maritime teams are among the best globally.
Hiring armed guards through private maritime security companies is a crucial decision for shipowners, even for the largest shipping company.
The presence of armed security personnel on board significantly increases the crew’s sense of safety when navigating high-risk areas.
When pirates encounter a vessel protected by private security, their attacks often cease immediately.
Even the mere sight of armed guards can serve as a powerful deterrent, prompting potential threats to retreat.
May the winds be in your favor.
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