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Liverpool Maritime Security
Liverpool Maritime Security for the protection of the Port Of Liverpool, Cruise Terminal, Cargo, Shipping Containers.
24 Hour Liverpool Maritime Security Services.
Maritime security is a specialised field in the marine sector, and safety officers must employ best practices to defend their vessel against both internal and external threats. These threats come in various forms, and each requires a different strategy for a proper defence. Security risks are not always malicious, but maintaining vessel safety is a constant priority.
Liverpool Maritime security is a general term for the protection of vessels both internally and externally. The areas from which ships and maritime operations need protecting include terrorism, piracy, robbery, illegal trafficking of goods and people, illegal fishing and pollution. Through supervision, inspection and proactive procedures, the marine industry does its best to minimise threats to maritime security, both malicious and accidental. And as the industry evolves and the marine sector grows, vigilance, enforcement and training will have to keep up with technology and increased opportunity for threats.
There has been an increased focus on protecting the marine sector from terrorism and other similar attacks, both in port and at sea. Several international organisations have formed to help set standards for bettering maritime security. Since the marine sector is so vast and the massive amount of goods entering the country is difficult to screen, every precaution possible to minimising malicious exploitation is critical.
Security is not only the job of vessel safety officers, but the job of the crew as a whole, which is why it’s so crucial for companies to educate and train their employees so their vessels have a better chance of stopping security threats.
In today’s marine industry, ensuring security compliance is a complex task, as there is much to look over and many ways a security breach can happen. Security officers not only need to be vigilant to prevent attempts to undermine the nation’s laws and security, but they also need to know how to be vigilant against local and internal threats. Small-scale attacks can still be harmful to a marine company and can result in the loss of lives, severe environmental damage or harm to company property. Here are a few of these types of risks.
When transporting valuable goods and resources, there are sometimes attempts at the local level to steal these goods from vessels. Security officers need to be vigilant for this reason both in port and at sea, to make sure valuable and sensitive cargo is secure.
Security officers must make sure that when their vessel is in port, no unauthorised personnel come aboard and tamper with sensitive equipment. Even if the documented crew members carry out vessel operations correctly, a trespasser can tamper with cargo rigging and other sensitive gear, which can lead to severe consequences at sea. Large-scale security measures concern things that can happen on an international scale, usually as the result of more malicious operations than individual crimes, like terrorism, environmental crimes, smuggling and trafficking.
Modern advances in telecommunications and international commercial logistics have increased the range and avenues open to terrorists. Criminals sometimes attempt to use marine shipping channels to transport dangerous weapons and materials. Terrorists use transportation avenues because they can move goods and even people to advance their cause, and the marine shipping industry is a prime target. They use shipping industries in attempts to damage global, political and economic security, as well as the safety of citizens. Security officers must be vigilant and knowledgeable about the pathways terrorists can use to attack. Since the maritime shipping sector is by nature an international business, marine professionals must do everything they can to protect their vessel and country from these kinds of threats.
A side effect of increasing maritime trade and economic globalisation is that it will facilitate the expansion of transnational crime. Trafficking in drugs, arms and people is already big business, and maritime shipping is a crucial method of transport. International crimes will not disappear anytime soon, and Liverpool maritime security must help minimise their spread. The more illegal cargo the shipping industry can stop at the source, the less damage the shipment will do once it reaches its destination, by keeping the unlawful products and weapons out of the hands of criminals.
With every shipping vessel carrying hundreds of large containers, it’s difficult for security to check each one thoroughly. Criminals know this, and use it to their advantage. Smuggling networks will attempt to get around security measures and the shipping industry because its vastness and scale make it an easy target. Smuggling is not exclusive to the shipping industry, as criminals will sometimes attempt to use other types of vessels to get their contraband past international borders.
Just as the oceans are the highways by which we transport a large number of our goods, they’re also the highways for the import and export of illegal items. Organised and international crime organisations use the shipping industry to transport large masses of their product, as we can see when we look at the many large-scale drug busts throughout the years. Not only do they smuggle drugs, but they may also smuggle firearms and other illegal technology that fetches a high price on the black market.
Piracy may seem like an idea from the past, but large ships carrying millions of pounds worth of cargo still tempt criminals to attack ships. Today’s pirates and criminals are usually well-organised and equipped with advanced communication and equipment. Ample training and experience in Liverpool maritime security can help crew members prepare for and deal with a piracy attack safely.
Human trafficking is another one of the main issues that face international marine security. Illegal migration has been present in the maritime sector for a long time, whether it’s people escaping political unrest or unwilling people being trafficked. It’s difficult for the marine industry to catch all the illegal immigration, but proper marine security techniques help minimise the problem.
Because large-scale commercial operations take place in the ocean ecosystem, there will inevitably be incidents that harm the environment. It’s the job of Liverpool marine security officers to help ensure that their vessel’s operations harm the environment as little as possible. Proper safety and security protocols are the best strategies to avoid disasters, especially in the petroleum industry.
So, what do security officers do daily to ensure incidents don’t happen? Let’s look at some of the best practices a vessel security officer, or VSO, carries out.
Regularly inspect the vessel: To monitor and ensure security measures, every security officer needs to be vigilant on their vessel and always be looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Oversee maintenance to improve security: If there’s anything aboard the ship that doesn’t comply with best security measures, it’s the job of officers to take care of it the right way.
Manage the coordination and handling of cargo: When loading and unloading cargo, a security officer needs to make sure to do everything according to protocol and ensure proper checks take place, as well as inspection of vessel stores and bunkers.
Proposing modifications: If there are any modifications to the security plan for the vessel, it’s the job of the VSO to suggest these to the company security officer, so they can make a company-wide change to improve security.
Report problems: If a vessel audit discovers anything wrong, it’s the security officer’s job to report it to the company safety officer so they can promptly implement corrective actions.
Assuring security awareness and vigilance: It’s not only the job of the VSO to monitor and be vigilant about anything out of the ordinary, but the role of other crew members as well. The safety officer should inspire the crew to be on alert and report potential threats.
Implement security training: It’s the job of safety officers to train their crew members about how to behave during normal operations and emergency operations of security.
Report and record security incidents: Anytime there’s something out of the ordinary, it’s the security officer’s job to note and report their findings to the senior security officer and the company security officer.
Ensure screening programs: The VSO needs to run screening programs like transportation worker identification credential checks that clear crew members to work around the vessel by passing background tests.
Monitor security equipment: A security officer must ensure security equipment is properly operated, tested, calibrated and maintained.
Supervise and support crew members: A vessel’s security officer needs to make sure the crew members are acting according to the security plan and regulations for their ship.
The maritime industry is undeniably evolving. And with more and more operations being automated and technology improving, security will inevitably change too. A lot of these improvements and advances are addressing the problem of visibility in the supply chain. Now, there are many points in the shipping process where criminals have the opportunity to infiltrate and exploit. But as technology and screening processes advance, security officers will only be able to identify these weak spots better and ensure security for their vessels. With these changes and updates to the maritime industry, security officers will have to adapt as well especially in the field of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity at sea means protecting the valuable data a company holds that criminals can exploit, including cargo information and employee details. Cybercriminals can also hack the electronic systems that control vessels, which can result in severe and costly ramifications. As technology evolves, maritime security and protocols will need to change too, along with the development of the requisite legal framework to support new shipping methods.
One example of technological evolution within the maritime industry is the push toward completely automated shipping vessels. A vessel without crew members, if perfected, would be much more cost-efficient for shipping companies, and potentially more resistant to security threats, if a ship didn’t need crew members to operate it, limiting access to the vessel could reduce the chance of piracy significantly.
Spartan Liverpool Maritime Security provides risk management and security services to the offshore Oil & Gas industry. When conducting projects in national waters we work with the local navy and coastguard, and can assist these parties with security training programmes. We work closely with the local population always taking into consideration the offshore cultural sensitivities.
As with all our services, requirements are determined with the client, analysing the risks and applying mitigation until they are within your tolerance levels. We can protect any kind of vessel, from small survey vessels up to the largest drilling platforms.
We offer:
In depth Risk and Intelligence assessment of the project area and surrounding environs
Assistance with the provision of offshore security vessels
Provision of security teams
Liaison with local enforcement
24/7 support from our maritime operations centre
Regular intelligence reports and updates.
Spartan’s consultants can provide comprehensive risk assessments and security surveys for ports in regions where the risks are dynamic and unpredictable. Our experience across both the Maritime and Land sectors, allows us to apply tried and tested mitigation measures, procedures and training in order to reduce or eradicate risks.
Spartan can provide ISPS-compliant:
Port Facility Security Plans
Port Risk Assessments
Security and Leadership Training.
As well as ongoing projects on-board client vessels and platforms, Spartan Maritime Security has specialised experience in this area.
As part of our vessel security package we conduct the following:
Ship security survey
Vessel risk assessment
Emergency Procedures.
Spartan will also conduct the following on request:
ISPS advising
Ship Security Officers Courses
Company Security Officers Courses
Intelligence and Risk Assessment Products.
24 Hour Liverpool Maritime Security
Maritime Security Liverpool
Liverpool Maritime Security - Port Of Liverpool Security - Liverpool Cruise Ship Terminal Security
Spartan 24 Hour Security offers security and anti piracy services that have protected the crews, vessels and cargo from security threats with our team of specialists, in port and at sea. Through strategically placed personnel, vessel-based armouries, and a wealth of knowledge and experience from its British former Special Forces personnel, we provide these services and security risk management solutions to clients, globally, 24/7.
Our services include protecting Merchant Vessels, Fisheries Vessels, Cruise Ships, Superyachts, Marine Works and Cable Laying Vessels, Oil and Gas Installations, and Ports and Terminals from security threats at sea and along the coast.
Spartan 24 Hour Security experts hold a long-standing record of a 100% success rate for our anti piracy services. We have provided assistance and consultation services to the largest shipping companies, fisheries protection, oil majors, energy projects, cruise liners and superyacht clients.
Offering international anti piracy services, maritime security services, risk assessment and consultancy with armed protection services delivered by our team of experts, we provide the following:
Vessel Security including Anti Piracy Services
Port and Terminal Security
Risk Assessment and Management
Planning, Policy and Procedures
Training and Exercises
External validation. - We test your security and contingency plans
Crisis Management and Emergency Response
Geographical intelligence assessments
Thematic studies.
Our clients’ interests are at the centre of our decision-making, and stakeholder engagement is at the cornerstone of our delivery. We pride ourselves on being considered your trusted partner for your maritime security services and anti piracy services. We continuously serve our clients with best-in-class security specialists, consultants, and analysts, while incorporating our proprietary technology, central operations and control team, and real-time intelligence. Our depth of knowledge comes from a leadership team that has extensive professional on-ground and offshore experience, specialising in high-risk and challenging situations.
Security Guards
Mobile Patrols
Alarm Response
CCTV Monitoring
Cruise Ship Security
Lock & Unlock Service
Lone Worker Security
Vacant Property Security
Liverpool Maritime Security Services
Marina & Dock Security
24 Hour Liverpool Docks and Marina Security
It was not too long ago that marinas did not require much in the way of security. Back in the late 70's and early 80's, a polite sign may have been all that was needed to keep uninvited guests off of the piers. Today, the question is, what type or how much security does a marina require?
Marinas are essentially large horizontal facilities located throughout the country on the shores of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal communities. As community focal points, marinas give boaters and onlookers the ability of gaining access to and from the waterfront. Generally categorised as part of the service industry, marinas should have formalised policies and operational procedures concerning the security and safety for the marina customers. Waterfront access creates unique security challenges at a marina.
One of those challenges is that boaters want to know that security measures have been taken by the marina, but do not want to feel like they are in a prison-like environment surrounded by tall chain-link fences topped with barbed wire. Likewise, non-boaters visiting the waterfront want to enjoy the serenity of the waters in and around a marina, but not as a person who is unwelcomed or banned from enjoying the view.
Many different security measures may be employed by a marina. The following are a few examples of some of the various types of security measures that a marina may provide:
With the appropriate wording, size, and placement, they can be a very effective tool in transmitting the message of who is allowed into the secure areas of a marina. While signs are a great tool, they can become a distraction if there are too many, too large or small or the message is not understood.
While it may appear to be the easy solution, the type and placement of fencing are the key ingredients. Fences need to be visually attractive, difficult to climb, and easy to see through, similar to a wrought-iron style fence. Chain-link fences are not aesthetically pleasing and are easy to climb.
A natural barrier can be another solution to consider. One of the most common natural barriers in use at marinas is a combination of water and vegetation. An aesthetically pleasing gap of water in between the shore and the piers needs to be wide enough to discourage thrill jumping individuals. Designed for natural vegetation along the shores of a marina can be difficult to traverse, while enhancing the natural element of a marina.
Located on ramps or entrances to the piers, they can be valuable tools in minimising access for unwanted guests in the secure areas of a marina. To be an effective tool in the marina’s security plan, a few suggestions to consider: gates and their adjoining side panels should be wide enough and of the type of material, which discourages climbing over or around the gate; the closing mechanisms and locks must be operating correctly; exiting lock controls need to be positioned at least an arm’s length away from prying hands reaching the controls; and the gates need to have a built-in unlocking capability to allow people within the marina the ability to leave in an emergency.
They are an effective device in controlling access to secure areas, such as the gates, parking lot controls, restrooms, showers, and laundry rooms. Mechanical keys, while inexpensive, can be reproduced and distributed easily by the boaters. Key pad access numbers can also be distributed by boaters, but changed as needed. Key cards for proximity readers are difficult to reproduce, can be reprogrammed on an individual basis, and are easy for boaters to use when they are unlocking the gate.
They are valuable instruments to monitor and record incidents that occur within the system’s capability range. Video camera recordings allow a glimpse into an event which may have happened after the fact. Video camera monitoring also allows someone to see what is happening in real-time. However, unless monitored, the video camera recordings may be rendered largely useless as a preventative measure in detecting security events in real-time. Newer, less expensive video camera systems can allow users to monitor in real-time from their smartphones or other remote devices. However, it is critical that any system connected to the internet has proper security, as hackers grow increasingly capable of wreaking havoc on a company web-based operation.
It can be a strong deterrent in keeping uninvited guests off the property, potentially preventing unwanted activities from occurring. Different types of lighting should be used throughout the facility, such as low-level lighting on the piers and elevated lights in parking areas and along breakwalls.
Activities occurring near the entrance of a marina create challenges which may render previously discussed security devices as ineffective. A few potential options to consider in monitoring or deterring activities at the entrance to the marina: on-site security guards can monitor during their roving patrols; appropriate lighting, which does not ruin the night vision of a boat operator, but allows others to see what is happening; the use of monitored video cameras; and strategically placed infrared beam equipment.
Having on-site security personnel can strengthen the marinas protective resources: guard posts/houses; roving patrols which can offer immediate on-site assistance; contact source for first-responders or marina management; and video camera monitoring. As part of the operation and business, marinas should have a written policy concerning security for the marina with operating procedures detailing the implementation of the security policy. Marina management has the responsibility of identifying potential security risks and plan accordingly. Doing nothing is not an acceptable solution.
