Since the introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in 2004, the requirement for competent and highly trained waterborne security operatives has increased dramatically.

Black Swan Security has an experienced team of “hands on” security operatives with both Military and commercial maritime experience that caters to both commercial and private sectors. We have an in-depth understanding of the requirements and implications of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) legislation that is being strengthened in order to mitigate risks to ports and shipping.

We have a definite understanding of the international port facility operators to prepare with compliance with the mandatory provisions of the new International Ship and Port facility (ISPS) and the consolidation of the provisions of the international Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), as well as develop in-depth security and crisis management procedures.

Our services include and are not limited to:

• Maritime Counter Terrorism
• Anti-Piracy
• Protection of People and Assets
• Stowaway Containment
• Safety Divers
• Waterborne Interception and Deterrent

Counter Piracy

The transition of Somalia from a single military dictatorship to fractional fiefdoms of military rule has contributed to the increased restiveness and deterioration in the security situation in Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

Expatriates working on vessels stray too close to land, or have a too relaxed routine on-board, have been illegally detained or kidnapped for ransom. Hijacking of vessels increased dramatically through 2008 and shows no signs of diminishing. Specifically, within the Gulf of Aden, there has been a dramatic rise in piracy.

Until recently the main reason a vessel was selected by the pirate gangs was its location, and cutting inside Socotra. These incidents were mainly based around opportune theft of moveable objects, however recently these attacks are increasingly being carried out by armed gangs who are known to operate from a mother craft.

From August 29th 2008 the area of operations of the pirates has changed dramatically; they are no longer restricted in geography or profile, as they have successfully high-jacked for ransom vessels North West of the Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA), an area with no previous historical pirate activity, they also high-jacked vessels from within the MSPA.

How can Black Swan help you?

The pirate gangs now view the crew, cargo and vessel as a single commodity and as such demand a single higher fee during the ransom negotiation. To combat this Black Swan provides experienced maritime Counter Piracy Teams for vessel protection.

On arrival to the vessel, the Counter Piracy Team will establish a Security Plan applicable to the vessel; they will then construct physical security measures and then train the crew in Counter Piracy Procedures. During the entire transit the Counter Piracy Team will provide 24hr security protection of the vessel; this can be armed or unarmed.

Recent piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden have served to highlight the increasing threats facing the world’s commercial fleets. Black Swan Security has extensive experience in the provision of comprehensive anti-piracy security solutions for clients that are transiting through high risk regions such as the Gulf of Aden, Malacca Straits and West Africa.

"Many of our clients were concerned about their assets in transit which pass through the Gulf of Aden. Our Maritime Security services have been carefully crafted to suit the needs of our corporate clientele". - Lisa Wardle, Operations Coordinator.

Working in close partnership with our clients, our complete, ‘one step’ security services provision ensures that we can develop a security package that best fits their individual needs and the value of this approach has been recognised by ship owners, operators, and insurers worldwide who wish to protect their vulnerable assets and crews in high risk areas.

Our highly experienced operations team provide support at all levels from crew briefings and threat assessments to on-board security teams and escort vessels. With increasing numbers of vessels being hijacked and crews held for ransom it is essential that companies are well prepared to be able to respond effectively in such situations.