Maritime Asset Security and Training (MAST) is to extend its training courses to include courses on safety and port security.
MAST believes training will play an important part in helping to raise industry standards. These courses include ‘Ship Security Officer’, ‘Company Security Officer’, ‘Port Facility Security Officer’, ‘Counter Piracy’ and ‘Close Protection’.
The announcement follows the introduction of new legislation in Malta regarding a licensing framework for Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs). The new operational licensing regime is the only licensing regime of its kind in the EU and governed by the Licensing of Private Maritime Security Companies Regulations 2013 (published as LN 110 0f 2013). MAST initiated this legislative work when it moved its HQ to Malta in 2008.
Time Reilly, Corporate Affairs spokesperson said: “We are absolutely committed to raising standards through accreditation and policing of the performance and practices of reputable member organisations and improving the quality of training. Our training is focused on the security and safety skills required to support ports and commercial vessels and exceeds the standards set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
“These courses, coupled with the new Maltese licensing regime will ensure that companies and individuals actively involved in these high risk and dangerous operations are properly vetted, competent and up to standard. For instance, a core element of the counter-piracy course is to provide a rigorous understanding of the law and rules for the use of force. They will also provide additional credibility to the industry and enable corporations and PMSCs to work together to combat the crime of piracy.”
MAST’s training courses are held at a new training centre in Malta and are based on its experience in counter-piracy, personal security and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), that MAST has developed over the last decade.
MAST are holding an Open Day on 15 June between 10am – 4pm at 1 Bellavista Road, San Gwann, Malta with an opportunity for attendees to sign up to discounted courses.
Tim Reilly adds: “We believe that other markets will follow Malta’s lead and that with greater regulation and enhanced training, standards in global maritime security will improve.”
MAST is a UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) accredited course provider, an Edexcel Assured provider and ELCAS approved, as well as holding ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. The company is also a founding signatory to the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Companies and a member of ADS (Security in Complex Environments Group); a representative industry group helping develop private security standards and approved by the British Government.
For further information visit: http://www.mast-commercial.com/
