Whitelist Beckons

P&I Clubs are looking to establish a confidential list of “approved shipboard security providers”.

The Clubs are reportedly inundated with requests from shipowners for guidance in deploying armed guards, and they are increasingly looking to a standardised way of indentifying the quality security providers.

The use of armed guards appears to be gaining wider acceptance following IMO guidance on selection of security companies.

As part of this overall process the London-based International Group of P&I Clubs is examining wider issues of accreditation and standards in this highly sensitive area. According to Andrew Bardot, speaking in Lloyd’s List, the International Group (IG) has been in talks with SAMI, the Security Association for the Maritime Industry – and they are following developments with interest.

It seems the IG is very much aware of the pressures facing its constituent Clubs, and that they are pushing forward to ensure solutions are identified.