UK: SAMI Launches Accreditation Programme

The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) launched its International Accreditation Programme for Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs).

The SAMI Accreditation Programme will see maritime security providers, within the Association’s membership undergo a 3-stage process of due diligence, systems checks and site visits. The programme will be managed by SAMI, with accreditations performed by an independent third party certification body, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI).

Work on developing the standards and accreditation programme has been ongoing for the past eight months. Further developing the guidelines laid down by industry and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the programme will assess the capabilities, experience, corporate standing and resources of PMSCs.

According to SAMI founder, Peter Cook, “It has been no mean feat to forge a united front from an industry which has always followed its own path. We are pleased and proud to announce the launch of what we believe to be a rigorous and significant means of assessing global maritime security providers”.

The developments were led by SAMI and supported by NSI who have been conducting a pilot scheme that successfully concluded in January 2012.

NSI Chief Executive, Jeff Little added, “We are delighted to work with SAMI. Our mission at NSI will be to uphold the independence and credibility of the SAMI Standard while actively and robustly verifying that the maritime security providers have everything in place required by the shipping industry and IMO”.

The three stages of the SAMI Accreditation Programme build to form a full and complete picture of the subject company. Stage 1 is a due diligence check, which focuses on the financial, legal and insurance elements of the PMSC. Stage 2 is an in-depth review of the company and involves a physical verification of their premises, systems and documentation. While Stage 3 will see checks on deployed operations.

During the development of the Programme SAMI has worked in consultation with a range of leading marine insurers, flag States, shipping associations, seafarer welfare organisations and with vital input from the maritime security industry.

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World Maritime News Staff, February 3, 2012