MCA and DNV/MARAD Course Approval

Date: 19/10/2007

Global maritime security services expert, Securewest International have received a significant boost to their growing security training operations with recent official approval by both the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) for the delivery of its updated Ship Security Officer training course, and the global shipping classification society, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) - on behalf of the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) to deliver updated Company Security Officer, Facility Security Officer, Vessel Security Officer and Security Awareness training courses.

Securewest International’s approval by these bodies increases further the already strong portfolio of services that it has been providing for clients for over 20 years, and validates the commitment that the company has to helping provide a secure supply chain for shipping sector.

These are exciting times for Securewest International. We are now monitoring over 16m tonnes of shipping for our clients worldwide, which in turn means we are having to recruit more security officers, administrative and support staff around the globe to help deliver a range of services including training. Approval by the MCA of the training course marks an important milestone for Securewest International as more pan European clients are added to the portfolio and is additional to the Competent Authority status approval already received from the MCA for SOLAS compliant Ship Security Alarm System monitoring.

Training has become not only mandatory in some cases but also recognised as more vital for our growing list of clients, both vessel owners and port authorities alike, and therefore it is an area that over recent months we have increased our investment and resources in and will continue to invest in. We have a long and well-established record in the sector and can truly call ourselves a ‘one stop shop’ when it comes to maritime security services.

The significant increases in subsidies for training recently provided by the US government are a key indicator to how important this area is. Training is a must in today’s world of ISPS and MTSA compliance. All the greatest technology in the world can be installed at ports and on vessels, but using this technology to good effect is imperative. We already offer a range of training options and official approval for these particular courses means that we can help to further ease the security burden for our clients and deliver them in a variety of flexible and cost effective ways.

The company is delighted to have received approval from DNV / MARAD and the MCA, all well recognised bodies in the maritime industry. We will continue to revise and update other courses in order that they maybe submitted for such important and prestigious approval.

Meanwhile Securewest International, which is still firmly in private ownership (as it has been for the past two decades), continues to go from strength to strength with new services, soon to be announced new offices, new flexible training delivery options and the recruitment of more specialists to enable delivery of an improved and exciting portfolio of services.

As a result of all this new activity, Securewest International is delighted to announce the development and fulfilment of a new role of Operations and Training Manager with responsibilities to include the onward development of all the company’s training services while being kept very busy with an operational role as well.

Training is a key part of prevention, and instilling a culture of security awareness throughout an organisation should, like safety, be viewed as a cultural process. Maritime security is our specialist area, and one of the first goals for the Operations and Training Manager will be to utilise his previous experience in the cruise industry to help Securewest International deliver the new cruise ship, Ship Security Officer training package that we will be announcing shortly.