2010 Provision of Maritime Security Liaison Officers (MSLO) to a seismic survey off W Africa
Scenario:
A Norwegian company required 2 x MSLO for a 30 day survey off the coast of Guinea/Sierra Leone.
Threat:
There had been numerous reported attacks in the region in 2009 including:
18 Dec 2009, 1823 LT – Armed Assault, Chemical tanker, 58 nm off Conakry. Pirates armed with machine guns in a speedboat approached and fired upon a chemical tanker drifting. The tanker increased speed, enforced anti piracy measures, reported to authorities and prevented the pirates from boarding it. No injuries to crew.
Conclusion:
IMSA provided 2 x MSLO with extensive commercial anti piracy experience on merchant vessels. The 2 MSLO also had relevant STCW95 security and safety qualifications and certificates, a requirement of the client. An initial anti piracy hardening assessment was undertaken followed by the hardening of the vessel, production of vessel specific security plans and crew training. Due to the presence onboard of the MLSO and the overt deterrent measures undertaken the survey was completed without incident.
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