Chandler Yacht Attack – MUSC's John Burnett provides opinion to major news channels worldwide
October 2009
In Maritime Security, piracy is sadly an everyday reality. Following the attack on Paul and Rachel Chandler as they sailed their yacht across the Indian Ocean, John Burnett – MUSC's Assistant Operations Director, gave a series of interviews on the following news channels and programmes BBC News 24, BBC One, Sky News, ITN, CBS, GMTV, CNN and ITV. As one of the world’s few piracy experts, John recently published his second book Dangerous Waters; Modern Piracy and Terror on the High Seas.
Top
80 Ship owners from one of the world's largest flag states attend Anti-Piracy training in Greece
October 2009
A specialist training team from Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants (MUSC) has deployed to both Greece and Germany to provide an anti piracy training package to over 80 Ship owners who belong to one of the world's largest Flags.
The first half of the day was spent in the classroom being instructed in threat mitigation techniques. The afternoon was dedicated to a realistic training package which put the owners through their paces thus reinforcing what they learnt earlier in the day.
The serial was widely acclaimed as successful by the attendees – one major ship owner commented - the "...active part was excellent and a lot of ideas came to our mind what needs to be improved in our office procedures"
Top
MUSC Opens a New Training Centre
October 2009
Maritime and Underwater Security Consultants (MUSC) has opened a new Training Centre in Poole delivering ISPS and wider maritime training. Having trained over 10,000 people and contributed to the ISPS code alongside Det Norske Veritas (DNV), MUSC training is perceived as being some of the industry's finest.
Located in Poole, Dorset close to the natural harbour and Quay, the Poole Training Centre offers an attractive alternative to the significant costs associated with travel and accommodation in London. MUSC will continue to offer training at specific client locations or at their Head Office as required.
The state of the art training centre will deliver courses to personnel from corporate organisations, private security operatives and military personnel looking at a second career in the Maritime Security industry.
For more details regarding courses run by MUSC in Poole, London or at client locations please contact us directly on +44 (0)207 067 2930 or via e-mail enquiries@mandusc.com
Top
Lloyd's List publish MUSC CEO Chris Austen's opinion on anti-piracy citadels
October 2009
The use of citadels in the event of hijacking have recently been disputed. However MUSC's CEO Chris Austen, widely recongised as an industry expert in maritime security recently wrote an open letter to Lloyd’s List to outline the situations in which the use of citadels is warranted. The full letter is as follows:
"SIR, There has been much discussion recently about the validity of the citadel concept during an attempted hijacking.
There is no doubt that this is a practice that with proper planning should continue. However, we recognise that in certain circumstances, a decision to occupy a citadel may be inappropriate.
The citadel was never meant to be universally applied during an attack at sea. Indeed, it is and should remain one of a number of measures that we believe should be available to the master in the event of an attack at sea. Taking shelter in a protected, locked-down area in a vessel when pirates are boarding is ultimately the master's decision. However, it should not be first, but the last part of co-ordinated procedures with the focus on identifying an approaching threat and preventing attempted boarding.
There are a number of circumstances in which the citadel is warranted. Scenarios might include:
• a boarding by bandits intent on robbery;
• when there is a military presence close by and that asset advises the master to use the citadel;
• while the boarding is being attempted and the ship is taking small arms fire as it takes evasive measures.
Importantly, the citadel must be such that it affords some form of protection against a variety of attack scenarios. While this is not always possible, effective planning and professional advice can go a long way to helping vessel crews remain safe.
Before transiting high-risk areas, there must be a thorough assessment or review to identify the safest location for both a muster point and a citadel, with both areas prepared for possible use. It is the master who must determine whether the citadel should be used and that call will be based on a decision matrix developed in advance with the advice from his security officer or external advisers."
Chris Austen, Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants 6 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR
http://www.lloydslist.com/ll/news/citadel-concept-must-be-approached-with-care/1256546636703.htm
Top
Why Ports hold the key to security across the Supply Chain Security Paper
Presented by MUSC at Transec
June 2009
Why Ports Hold the Key to Security Across the Supply Chain:
The Emerging Commercial Imperative of a Secure Supply Value Chain
• Promoting risk management as a central component of effective port management.
• Financial implications of working with customers to stop theft and other criminal activities.
• People and weapon smuggling and the transportation of counterfeit goods.
• Gaining brand equity through a clearer demonstration of commitment to security.
• Protecting company and client’s assets improve company value and shareholder protection.
• Implications of ISO28000 in security control and implementing other best practices.
If anybody would like a copy email enquiries@mandusc.com
Top
Sailing away: MUSC teams complete Round the Island Race
20th June 2009
On the 20th June, 20 MUSC-ateers aboard 2 boats, the Mon Amie and aptly named Miss Moneypit, sailed over the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes to begin the 2009 Round the Island Race.
Amongst much inter-boat rivalry between the MUSC teams, a collection of "professional athletes" aboard Mon Amie pitted themselves against the Miss Moneypit crew, who stated their goal for the day was to "...drink as much tea as possible". Despite a hazy and chilly start, the sun eventually burnt through the clouds to cheer home Miss Moneypit who finished 24th in her class.
For the team on Mon Amie, circumnavigating a small island in Hampshire would take a little longer... Moments before another expertly executed jibe, Skipper Douglas –one of MUSC's most experienced sailors, commanded a deck hand to hold onto the loaded winch as if life depended on it. Seconds later he instructed the remaining deckhands to let go of everything, expecting the sheet to fall into place with a snap and carry the boat forward. Not so, the series of instructions had left the ropes in a tangle and the spinnaker floating to the stern of the boat. Mon Amie finished a respectable 710th with high spirits and enthusiasm for the day.
Top
Dextram Management key business services, support and consultancy
May 2009
All across the globe, from Iraq to Nigeria, Vietnam to Alaska companies are striving to operate in some of the harshest environments on earth.
Dextram Management (a division of Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants) has been set-up to deliver key business services for companies operating in these complex, challenging and hostile places.
Dextram enables their clients to mitigate the risks and overcome the often unique operational challenges, we do this by providing:
• Business Intelligence & Planning Support
• Secure Offices and Accommodation
• Manpower Recruitment & Specialist Headhunting
• Insurance; Legal Support, licensing & permits
• Medical support, clinics and evacuation
• Security, crisis management and business continuity
• Transport, logistics, IT & communications
• Visit Support: escort, introductions to local partners & sponsors
Furthermore, Dextram is able to offer highly focussed business support and consultancy particular to the operating areas, this would often include: project financing and funding partners; high-level introductions and business facilitation; Programme Management; Local community relations, integration and development; Security, Police and Justice Sector Reform.
Dextram has offices in London, Amman, Basra & Baghdad, and is ready to deploy its services globally.
Top
A security perspective on laying up vessels article published in Port Technology International
May 2009
New offices in London open
18th May 2009
After decades of being headquartered aboard HQS Wellington on the Thames Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants (MUSC) has moved ashore to a complex opposite the famous Royal Courts of Justice, off London's Fleet Street.
No. 6 Bell Yard provides MUSC with six floors of versatile accommodation and allows us to scale up our operations at this exciting time.
A suite of offices on board HQS Wellington will still be kept for a variety of duties and she remains our Registered Office.
Top
MUSC Operations in the Middle East
February 2009
In April the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson led the first British business delegation to Iraq in over 20 years.
Present on the delegation was MUSC which is only one of only two UK companies to hold a direct contract with the Iraqi Government.
Since February 2009 MUSC has had a team of personnel on task in the North Arabian Gulf engaged in operations surveying for unexploded ordnance using cutting-edge techniques to locate the detritus of war.
Top
MUSC joins Business Secretary Lord Mandelson on first British business delegation to Iraq
6 April 2009
In April the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson led the first British business delegation to Iraq in over 20 years.
Present on the delegation was MUSC which is only one of only two UK companies to hold a direct contract with the Iraqi Government.
Since February 2009 MUSC has had a team of personnel on task in the North Arabian Gulf engaged in operations surveying for unexploded ordnance using cutting-edge techniques to locate the detritus of war.
Top
MUSC's Stingray cable burial tool completes Asia America Gateway telecommunications cable burial in Philippines
March 2009
Since February Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants (MUSC) has had a team of 50 at work both ashore and afloat in the Philippines burying a major telecommunications cable.
This work was a milestone moment for MUSC as we were trialling a new and innovative cable burial tool called "Stingray". So far the kit is working beyond all expectations and work is expected to be completed in May.
Top
SCR and MUSC Launch Vessel Shield to Solve Piracy Coverage Dilemma
3 March 2009
Special Contingency Risks Limited (SCR), a division of Faber & Dumas, the third-party wholesale insurance broker, and Underwater Security Consultants Limited trading as Maritime & Underwater Security Consultants (MUSC), a leading maritime risks advisor, today announced the launch of Vessel Shield a comprehensive package of services geared towards risk prevention and management in connection with events of piracy. The services offered have been developed through the co-operation of the two companies and Vessel Shield offers insurance and risk management solutions to what is increasingly becoming a grey area in the marine industry relating to payment of ransoms and management of a hijack situation.
Last year, there were a total of 155 pirate attacks or hijackings in Somalian waters, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, according to the International Maritime Bureau. In the first two months of this year, MUSC has received reports of more than 30 attacks in the same region. This outbreak of high-profile piracy has reignited the debate over the extent of cover for such events. A lack of clarity in the marine market has meant that coverage responsibility is being called into question.
"When an act of piracy occurs, who is responsible for paying the claim? Is it the vessel's hull or war risk insurer, or the provider of kidnap & ransom cover?" said Doug Milne, CEO of SCR. "Our new Vessel Shield package addresses this coverage dilemma by offering an insurance product which clearly provides primary cover for acts of piracy, but also seeks to mitigate the physical security risk as well."
"Security of vessels from acts of piracy in dangerous waters requires a co-ordinated approach," Milne added. "The preparation, training and advice offered as part of the package of services comprised within Vessel Shield provides a targeted answer to a marine industry problem that will go a long way to enhance the safety and peace of mind for all those looking to protect their vessels and cargos."
Vessel Shield offers ship owners a focused and integrated solution to the problems associated with piracy, providing expert advice and assistance before and during a transit through dangerous waters, and, should a piracy event occur, seamless support to resolve the situation. The Vessel Shield package is based on a three-phase risk philosophy:
• Risk Reduction through expert marine security consultancy advice to vessel owners, ship masters and crew covering both single transit and fleet requirements.
• Risk Transfer through comprehensive hijack insurance cover.
• Risk Mitigation through a team of crisis negotiators to manage all phases of a hijack event.
These combined elements deliver a specific package aimed at significantly reducing the piracy and hijacking risk faced by ship owners. SCR and MUSC will each be responsible for delivering different and distinct elements of the Vessel Shield services.
MUSC's Chief Executive Chris Austen said, "MUSC is delighted to lend our expertise to this world-class solution, which combines the best marine security insurance and crisis management expertise available in the market today into one comprehensive package. We are confident that Vessel Shield will become an essential safeguard for ship owners the world over."
Top