Annual Maritime Security Exercises

What Are Annual Security Exercises

Every year, security drills are an obligatory component under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and CFR 33 104.230. The purpose of these exercises is to appraise how a crew and command structure of a ship are able to handle a threat, whether this is a stowaway, piracy, or an approach threat.

Each exercise is intended to:

• Test crew readiness and decision-making under pressure.
• Validate the Ship Security Plan (SSP), and ensure ship security plan testing.
• Make sure communication links between the vessel and land are efficient.
• Confirm ISPS Code compliance and requirements.

An annual drill by the operators enables the operator to fulfill international requirements, as well as enhance teamwork and ship security compliance aboard the vessel.

Read more about our Maritime Security Services and how we protect operators around the world.

How Securewest Delivers Security Exercises

We treat each exercise with care and flexibility, adapting all scenario designs to your type of vessel, risk level, and operating conditions. All activities are managed by our Maritime Assistance Centre, and all our consultants are ISPS qualified.

Our procedure may include:

1. Coordination and Planning

We liaise closely with your Vessel Master and/or Vessel Security Officer to understand your Ship Security Plan, communication procedures, and audit results. We will identify the exercise objectives together.

2. Scenario-Based Testing

Every drill involves real-life seafaring circumstances, including attempted piracy or smuggling, detection of a stowaway or cyber attack. The drills remain realistic, allowing seafaring crews to practice their reactions in realistic ways.

3. SSAS and Alert Response

As part of this exercise, Securewest performs a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) test through our 24/7 monitoring center. It guarantees that your alarm system functions smoothly, and that both onboard and ashore personnel are able to react immediately.

4. Review and Reporting

Once this is done, our MAC Manager reviews performance, response time, and communication flow. Results are presented in a simple report, including suggestions to enhance improvement.

The Global Response Centre operates 24/7, so exercises can be held anywhere, at any time, without impacting current activities.

Discover more about our SSAS Management Services

Compliance and Benefits

Maritime security annual exercises are more than just something you check off a list, they are a way to make sure your crew and assets are ready for anything. The Securewest model will meet ISPS Code Part A/13 and CFR 33 104.230 requirements, providing both compliance and assurance.

Key Benefits

• Increased crew readiness: Repeated training exercises cultivate a calm and well-rehearsed response to emergencies.

• Enhanced Ship Security Plans: Points out vulnerabilities before they pose a threat.

• Audit-proof documentation: Every exercise produces auditable documentation regarding ISPS inspection checks.

• Better communication: Enhances clarity between ship and shore personnel.

• Operational resilience: Raises awareness regarding regional risks, including piracy, illegal trading, and smuggling activities.

The expertise we bring as a global company with decades of experience protecting vessels, combined with our commitment to accuracy, powers our maritime compliance services.

Reporting and Certification

After each exercise, Securewest produces an official memorandum, which you should record as part of your Ship Security Plan:

• A detailed description or analysis of the situation, actions, and consequences.

• Observations related to individual and team performance.

• Recommendations to enhance SSP efficiency.

• Certification regarding the fulfillment of the annual drill as mandated by the ISPS Code and CFR regulations.

The Company Security Officers (CSOs) are also provided with a combined report, enabling a ship-wide perspective to be gained regarding security readiness. The end result is that best practices are shared among all ships and lessons are leveraged.

Why Choose Securewest

Securewest has been a trusted partner in the management of maritime risk for over three decades. They have worked with various clients, including large-scale commercial vessels as well as private superyachts, to guide them through what are often the world’s most complicated maritime environments.

Here’s exactly why operators choose us:

• Global proven experience: Over 35 years’ experience in seaborne protective services and ship security compliance.

• ISPS-qualified experts: Qualified consultants to assist you with your compliance process, starting from planning to reporting.

• 24/7 Global Coverage: Constant monitoring, support, and response by our Maritime Assistance Centre.

• Tailored exercises: Every exercise, whether a full-scale operation or a table-top simulation, is developed around your requirements.

• Trusted by leading names: Our clients include shipping companies, energy firms, and yachting operators around the world.

Our involvement with Securewest is not limited to exercises, rather, we offer comprehensive security as part of the maritime security belt exercise framework, whereby all aspects of your risk are effectively addressed.

The Bigger Picture

There are increasing dangers to the seas, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as hybrid threats against offshore assets. Such exercises have highlighted just how important response training is to today’s ship fleets.

As a company, Securewest bases all its operations on a set of best practices around the world, mixing reality and compliance requirements. When the simulation involves a desk-based exercise as advised by ISPS, or a realistic ship-based scenario, Securewest simulations equip operators with the assurance that their systems and personnel are ready.

Start Your Next Exercise with Securewest

The safety of your crew and your vessel’s compliance are far too critical to be left to chance. Team up with Securewest International to carefully plan and execute your next annual security exercises.

 We’ll help you:

• Maintain ISPS Code and CFR 33 compliance.
• Strengthen your ship security framework.
• Enhance situational awareness across all operations.

Contact our team today to schedule your next exercise or learn more about our Maritime Security Services.