21st Century Risk
Analysis and Threat Abatement
Coastal and Offshore Threats
On the High Seas
From the beginning of sea travel, piracy has been a threat. Today, piracy has become more sophisticated in terms of tactics and weaponry. In addition, poverty and political instability have been the incentive and the means, respectively, for the growth of several High Risk Areas (HRA) and the spread of hit-and-run attacks on the high seas across the globe.
To combat these threats effectively, crews need to be prepared not only with proper training and procedures, but also potent on-board defences, advanced monitoring and, in some cases, special forces-trained security personnel.
Offshore Platforms,
Ports and Other Littoral Facilities
These days offshore platforms, ports and other littoral facilities are recognised as vital to economic stability, making them strategic targets for terrorists. In addition, the sophistication of terrorists, smugglers and organized crime improves year-by-year in terms of tactics and equipment. Think of the endless ways cyber-attacks can not only disrupt the operations of the port or oil rig but also the threat these attacks mean to the safety of workers and property.
The first step in combating these threats is to perform a thorough, in-depth assessment of the current security status in order to identify security vulnerabilities and institute further measures to ensure the highest, most cost-effective protection for vessels, littoral facilities and personnel.
The Comprehensive HRM Risk-Based Assessment Approach
HRM uses a risk-based approach to evaluate threats and advise on tactics and strategies to mitigate those threats to our clients’ assets.
Our security professionals are qualified to evaluate the client’s:
Security preparedness
of crews,
staff and employees
Security
infrastructure
Geographical risk
Available security
equipment
Crisis response
mechanisms and
protocols
This process highlights any gaps or deficiencies in the client’s operation, should they exist. These assessments can be conducted onsite or via a desk audit, subject to the client’s budgetary mandate.
Security assessments comply with the international Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and are conducted using the recommended framework set out by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines with reference to specific requirements of contracting governments and Flag States.
360-Degree Analysis
HRM’s seasoned security assessors and auditors come from a wide spectrum of backgrounds to support a 360-degree risk view. The analysis includes elements of corporate due diligence of vulnerabilities with suppliers and contractors as well as every aspect of current political stability. It also examines the physical protection of the ship, fleet and port.
In order to address the rapidly evolving threats from cyber-attacks, HRM has committed substantial resources to staying ahead of hackers. The cyber analysis identifies current communications vulnerabilities and also anticipates upcoming potential future threats and makes recommendations accordingly.
Security Dossier
Based on the in-depth 360-degree analysis, HRM produces a custom security dossier outlining the current state of security preparedness as well as highly detailed recommendations with ROI analysis, where applicable, for security budget planning.
The dossier qualifies the impact of:
Piracy & Terrorism
Crime
Local Laws & CUSTOMS
General country information
On-going Support
The initial security assessment and the security dossier are just the first step in ongoing security audits and real-time monitoring and support:
- Biannual General Security Assessments highlight high-risk/trouble spots and advise on locations/routes to avoid or, if unavoidable, recommendations on the required increase in vessel security to allow safe passage.
- Periodic Piracy Updates relevant to vessels according to their area of operation and general trends
- 24/7 telephone support on threat and security matters relevant to vessel and crew, port or offshore platform
- Shoreside monitoring of vessels in high risk areas, with reporting procedures and duress code words
- Crew and employee security training and performance evaluation
- Recruitment and staffing of specialised security professionals, if needed
- Consultation and advice on state-of-the-art security equipment, installation, operation and maintenance
