Maritime Criminal Investigations
Although serious crimes committed onboard a ship are a rare occurrence, when they do occur, they may be complex and complicated. Securewest International offers world-class investigative services 24/7 around the world. The extensive experience we have gained as specialists operating in the maritime industry ensures that all cases are handled with care, confidentiality, and professionalism by our team.
Our core capabilities are, but not limited to:
Global Investigations
Professional Response to Maritime Crime
Criminal cases at sea are a specialised type of incident, demanding a specialised response. Our investigative, forensic, and legal specialists operate closely with flag states, insurers, and other agencies to ensure full compliance with international maritime law enforcement requirements.
Whether this involves a missing person, an assault, a suspicious death, or serious conduct at sea, Securewest provides discreet shipboard investigations that are founded on accuracy, safety, and respect.
Our team operates under well-established international protocols, which ensure the integrity of evidence and facilitate a smooth cooperation between vessel operators and enforcing agencies. Having worked with both commercial, superyachting, and offshore assets, Securewest provides a calm, professional service to clients facing delicate situations.
Maritime Security Intelligence and Risk Management
Preventing crimes at sea demands consciousness, preparedness, and foresight. Securewest blends the security intelligence issued by the maritime industry with Securewest’s operational expertise to enable clients to anticipate threats before they occur. Securewest intelligence experts continually follow global maritime crime statistics and threats emerging around the world.
Piracy and maritime crime, as well as threats from ‘inside jobs’ by crew members aboard luxury yachts or vessels, are all areas of maritime risk management that our specialists keep closely attuned to as they advise ship operators, charterers, and security departments.
We offer customised risk analysis, incident trends, and threat monitoring to keep operators well-informed, confident, and better positioned to make decisions related to their activities.
To learn more about our global monitoring and threat assessment capabilities, please visit our Maritime Security Services page.
Forensic Investigations & Advisory Support
Our maritime forensic investigations advisors have both technical know-how and operational expertise. They offer evidence recovery, forensic photography, coordination of witness interviews, as well as preservation of data as required by investigative standards.
Starting with small boats all the way to cruise liners and commercial fleets, we offer objective, professional service support related to insurance claims, legal cases, or company reviews. Nothing, from documentation at the scene to an incident report, escapes meticulous attention to guarantee authenticity and honesty.
Securewest provides consultancy services, which assist organisations in building their frameworks when handling emergencies, as a response to possible incidents at sea.
If you are looking for long-term security or investigative robustness on an organisational level, please see our full Maritime Security Service offering.
Independent incident Investigation
Securewest is experienced in the provision of detailed independent investigation of incidents and crimes, enabling the facts to be determined in situations where jurisdiction is unclear. We provide highly skilled teams of experienced police personnel, forensic examinations, and detailed reporting to international standards.
Working in often complex, challenging and hostile environments we can help strengthen your security and policing capacity and capabilities.’
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Case Studies
Missing 2nd Mate
In response to reports of a missing crew member, Securewest deployed a specialised team to assist in search and recovery activities. Together with the relevant authorities, we were successful in recovering the body at sea and providing complete investigative documentation to both the ship owner and coroner.
Attempted Murder On Board
In a major incident involving a violent attack onboard, Securewest managed the initial inquiry, witness interaction, forensic evidence, and worked closely with law enforcement agencies to secure a safe extradition and trial of the perpetrator. Our response assured that due process was upheld and that crew members onboard were protected.
Every case represents our dedication to delivering professional, caring, and results-oriented support, no matter where the incidents occur.
Maritime Security Intelligence and Risk Management
Preventing crimes at sea demands consciousness, preparedness, and foresight. Securewest blends the security intelligence issued by the maritime industry with Securewest’s operational expertise to enable clients to anticipate threats before they occur. Securewest intelligence experts continually follow global maritime crime statistics and threats emerging around the world.
Piracy and maritime crime, as well as threats from ‘inside jobs’ by crew members aboard luxury yachts or vessels, are all areas of maritime risk management that our specialists keep closely attuned to as they advise ship operators, charterers, and security departments.
We offer customised risk analysis, incident trends, and threat monitoring to keep operators well-informed, confident, and better positioned to make decisions related to their activities.
To learn more about our global monitoring and threat assessment capabilities, please visit our Maritime Security Services page.
Forensic Investigations & Advisory Support
Our maritime forensic investigations advisors have both technical know-how and operational expertise. They offer evidence recovery, forensic photography, coordination of witness interviews, as well as preservation of data as required by investigative standards.
Starting with small boats all the way to cruise liners and commercial fleets, we offer objective, professional service support related to insurance claims, legal cases, or company reviews. Nothing, from documentation at the scene to an incident report, escapes meticulous attention to guarantee authenticity and honesty.
Securewest provides consultancy services, which assist organisations in building their frameworks when handling emergencies, as a response to possible incidents at sea.
If you are looking for long-term security or investigative robustness on an organisational level, please see our full Maritime Security Service offering.
Why Choose Securewest
Having protected vessels, crews, and shipments for well over 35 years, Securewest has an international reputation as a trusted partner in relation to ship safety and investigation services. We bring a deep understanding, shaped by a long heritage of global expertise, to the pressures that ship owners and masters are under in a critical incident scenario.
Here are a few things that make us unique:
- Global Reach: We react quickly, anywhere around the world, via our 24/7 Maritime Assistance Centre.
- Specialist Expertise: We have investigators, former maritime law enforcement agents, and lawyers with hands-on operational experience.
- Discreet & professional: Investigations are handled with due regard to confidentiality and cultural sensitivities.
- Intelligence-Led Approach: We conduct intelligence analysis alongside investigative planning.
- Proven Reputation: Securewest has a well-earned reputation among various shipping companies and private yacht operators, as well as other clients, for delivering accurate and ethical search results
Our reputation is established through reliability, accuracy, and integrity, and this precedes us with every project we handle.
Our Role in a Changing Maritime Environment
The increasing reliance on maritime routes by world trading has also translated into greater opportunities for criminal activities: drug trafficking and smuggling, as well as other types of crimes, including human exploitation, have seen their operational sophistication upgraded with an increasingly international approach by criminal organisations involved in those activities.
INTERPOL’s Maritime Security Programme highlights the importance of cooperation, intelligence sharing, and building capacity to combat this threat. The Securewest initiative supports operators in the commercial and private sectors by applying the same principles as INTERPOL, including rapid response, cooperation, and accountability, throughout an inquiry.
Our activities do not end with handling emergencies. We are involved in risk assessment, training, and compliance audits that are consistent with international best practices so that the crews and management are aware of their respective obligations and best prevention strategies.
The Importance of Preparedness
Shipping companies can lower their risks by carefully planning and utilising professional expertise. Securewest can assist organisations by providing expertise to create procedures related to incident filing, evidence handling, and collaboration with investigating agencies and insurers.
We are also involved in preparing a company for any audit or inspection by the flag state or insurers, as we make sure the company is fully transparent, as well as compliant with any international maritime conventions applicable to their activities.
Whether it is an engagement or an incident, we are committed to protecting your assets, people, and reputation as a trusted partner,and our availability will remain 24/7.
Contact Our Maritime Assistance Centre
Sea incidents call for calm and concerted efforts. Securewest’s Maritime Assistance Centre functions all day and night, issuing urgent advice and assigning investigative squads globally if the need arises.
If you require specialised help with criminal investigations related to the shipping industry, do not hesitate to contact us today.
Please contact our global response team: +44 (0)1752 963333 Email: info@securewest.com
Get in touch
Find out how we can safeguard your people, assets and reputation from harm.