Maritime risk management

HART offers shipping clients comprehensive maritime security solutions to help protect them from international crime and terrorism.

As terrorist attacks and acts of piracy have been escalating, maritime corporations have responded by implementing stronger security measures to protect vessels, crews, and cargoes. Legal complexities, national and supranational, have posed considerable difficulties for the maritime industry and many laws and regulations overlap, including the regulatory requirements of ISPS, MTSA, CSI and CTPAT, and Flag State authorities. Such guidelines tend to create confusion when considered in the context of the legislative rights of nation states to control operations within their own territorial waters and economic exclusion zones.

As an internationally recognised provider of specialised maritime security services, HART is especially familiar with security methods and regulations, and we understand the commercial realities that shape our clients' requirements.

We provide professional, cost-effective, and commercially viable solutions to meet our clients' maritime security needs. We have more than 10 years experience and a proven record in the maritime security industry. Our clients trust us to provide effective security measures from the corporate level to vessels at sea.

Through our global network of  offices, we offer a comprehensive range of security services, including security management and regulatory compliance programs, training for company and ship Security officers, International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) audits, monitoring through a 24/7 maritime response centre, and security consultancy.

Proven Security Solutions

Our approach is based on a continuous cycle of effective analyze-plan-implement-analyze. We anticipate and respond to rapid changes in security risks that affect our clients' operating environments, and our formula has been proven for several major security programs including Sakhalin Island, Iraq oil field projects, Operation Safe Commerce and the introduction of the ISPS Code throughout the world. Hart has trained more than 2,000 ship, company, and port facility security officers and conducted more than 400 assessments.

Hart is an internationally recognised risk management company delivering innovative, integrated solutions across land, sea and air

Lord Westbury MBE founded Hart in 1999 and created a risk management company that combined an unparalleled level of military experience with commercial understanding and expertise. He achieved this by bringing together former Special Forces and conventional military personnel qualified in the fields of intelligence, energy, humanitarian activities, commerce, government, aviation and maritime. Today, with offices in sixteen countries, Hart maintains operations throughout the world. Our clients include governments, NGOs and multi-national corporations as well as small businesses and individuals.

"Our focus is steadfast; protecting our clients' assets and crew on the water. The way in which we build relationships with our clients is vital. We invest the time to get to know them because we are solution driven, not product driven. Not only are every clients' needs unique but they may change over time and are specific to each mission request."
Bryan Toki – Director, Maritime and Training, HART Singapore Office

Managing the risks of piracy

Companies and organizations in the shipping sector have a crucial responsibility to provide a secure environment for their staff.  Today, more than ever before, they are faced with an increased risk of piracy and kidnapping. Well-armed pirates are an especially dangerous threat off the Horn of Africa and East Arica, where they target a variety of shipping, ranging from yachts to supertankers. Vessels have been seized and crews captured to be released only after a substantial ransom has been paid. Although piracy has become such a serious concern, most insurance policies do not cover owners for the financial losses incurred if their vessels are hijacked.

Hart is a global leader in maritime security.  Our renowned anti-piracy escort and onboard security services provide protection for ships and their crews.  With more than 160 missions completed in dangerous waters (almost half in the Gulf of Aden), only five per cent have involved confrontations, and all were successfully repelled without the loss of lives or assets.

Hart's maritime security mode of operandi

• Proven Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Rules for the Use of Force, (RUF) and Graduated Force Response (GFR).
• Familiarity with maritime laws and conventions and compliant with littoral state and international laws.
• Member of the International Peace Operations Association (IPOA).
• In addition to extensive backgrounds in the military and maritime sector, all HART Maritime Security Operators are trained and certified on Det Norske Veritas registered ISPS Code and Maritime Anti-Piracy courses.
• Specialized equipment is readily available, with personnel expertly trained and disciplined in their use.
• We have an extensive global partnership with national and local authorities, suppliers, and the military for joint cooperation as needed anywhere in the world.
• Our 'One-Stop Solution' Maritime Operation Centres are located in Singapore, Yemen, Kenya, and Nigeria.

HART's management maintains close contact with our clients at every stage of a project to ensure that our services continue to meet customer requirements.  Our maritime clients include oil and gas companies, shipping, and super yacht companies.

Q&A on Hart's maritime operations in high-risk areas

How do you provide weapons legally?
HART has a formal arrangement with the Yemen Coast Guard (YCG) and Yemen Navy which allows Hart authorisation to carry government registered weapons and legally conduct security escorts within their littoral and international waters.

Who is in charge of the ship when a pirate attack occurs?
The Captain remains in command of the vessel at all times. Hart's Mission Commander will advise on all security matters and keep the Captain fully updated if the vessel is being attacked as well as providing a direct link to the MaST on the main deck.

What is the role of the escort vessel and how is it controlled?
The escort vessel protects highly vulnerable vessels by intervening before the threat can close in. Communication is the essential component. The Captain maintains overall authority by relaying his directions through the Mission Commander to the escort vessel Team Leader. Regular training occurs between the vessels so that SOPS are thoroughly rehearsed.

Contact:
Hart Singapore Office
10 Ubi Crescent
#06-69 Ubi Techpark (Lobby D)
Singapore 408564
T: +65 6547.8870
F: +65 6547.8859
E: maritime@hartsecurity.com
www.hartsecurity.com