A Maritime security agency offers specific maritime security services to their respected clients. Their clients are primarily from the shipping industry and sometimes governments, too.
Their services include safe transportation of commodities and vessels crossing domestic and international waters by sea.
So, basically, they offer services concerned with security and navigation.
This article will discuss those services and why they are essential.
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How does a maritime security agency operate?
There is a variety of duties a maritime security company has to perform. They provide marine and land security services that connect marine life and vessel security both on and offshore.
Maritime security is one of the largest industries in the world that connects international relations, national safety, marine environment, economic development, and human security.
Maritime security agencies ensure the safety of essential people and marine infrastructures by creating and controlling their safety procedures and training and educating the marine professionals to comply with the regulations.
Maritime security in Nigeria’s primary concern is preventing armed robbery and smuggling in the sea. They prevent potential crimes from happening.
The shipping industry depends heavily on maritime security services for their smooth operation. Without proper security measures, the open sea will be a playground for terrorists and smugglers.
Half of the world economy will shut down without proper maritime security as the shipping industry depends heavily on it. Workers will lose their jobs, and all operations will be on hold.
So, maritime security agencies and their services are indispensable.
Maritime security services provided by the agencies
Maritime security services include two main service components. They are – Maritime security services and logistical support. Let’s discuss the two in brief.
1. Security Services
Security services are the most important services that a maritime security agency offers. Here are some primary ocean marine security services:
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Armed vessel escort services
Unknown dangers fill seawater. Pirates, thieves, armed robbers, terrorists, smugglers, drug and human traffickers are criminals who are ready to breach national and international security at any given time.
Vessels transiting through the sea often have to face these lawbreakers, and they rob, damage or destroy ships and commodities. Merchants lose hundreds and thousands of dollars because of them.
That’s why armed vessel escorts are essential for the vessel’s safe and sound journey. These escort vessels are usually fast, fuel-efficient and fully armed and follow the merchants’ boats and ensure their safe arrival to the destination.
They can go on high speeds and are rigged with the best navigation and communication technology to assure quality service.
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Armed security services
Armed security services are sent to get on the client’s ships and provide them and their cargo security for as long as they will be on the waters.
It is ideal for any kind of ship sailing in Nigerian waters. Highly experienced and professionally qualified armed security teams ensure that your vessel is secure. These teams are formed by 4 – 7 men, depending on the area they are operating in.
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Armed dog searching services
A stowaway is someone who hides on a ship to avoid something. Often there are stowaways found onboard a vessel. Usually, they are either illegal immigrants or smugglers. Search dogs help in searching these stowaways.
The stowaway search service collaborates with the police, processing all findings on-site. Sometimes, secondary search operations are conducted on vessels that have already completed their cargo operations.
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Maritime security consultant services
Maritime security services include maritime security consultant services. Maritime security agencies employ unarmed marine security liaison officers who work as security advisors on their client’s vessels. They also use retired Navy Officers who are specially trained.
2. Logistical support
Logistical support comprises conveyance and navigation services. Let’s discuss:
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Customs clearance services
A team of expert agents and entry writers prevent clients from facing customs clearance problems while importing or exporting their products and cargo through seaports.
A maritime security agency is a licensed customs agent who offers customs clearance services so that their clients can easily import and export through seaports.
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Ocean freight services
All countries have their own ports, rules and regulations that require extra attention. Operators often make mistakes that result in damages or penalties.
Maritime security agencies help operate your ships abiding by the standard rules and regulations of shipping. They help their clients carry all sizes and categories of products.
Their ocean freight services can hold and deliver massive amounts of materials – dry and cold. Iron, coal, grain, and steel are dry commodities. Crude oil and some dangerous liquids are also delivered by them, which are wet materials.
Another service they provide is to help their clients prepare documents, pricing, and routing and to comply with the regulations. Through strategy and efficiency, they plan and implement their operations.
Some expert freight specialists manage cargo shipping with ease. They have associations with some legislative bodies and port officials who help them track their clients’ cargo.
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Husbandry agency services
A husbandry agency treats the ship\’s external concerns, for example, its crew, repairs, provisioning, supplies, classification surveys, etc.
It is an essential part of maritime security services and takes a lot of effort for the maritime security company to handle a vessel’s staff and finances. Also, repairs, arranging supplies, and surveys are conducted by them.
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Chandelling services
A ship chandelling business distributes shipping materials. They sell and repair Diesel engines, turbochargers, pumps, compressors, purifier/separator spares, and heat exchangers.
They also provide deck cranes and machinery, anchors, cathodic protections, chains, nylon and wire ropes, navigation and communication equipment, safety equipment, and gyrocompasses.
To Conclude,
Now you know how a maritime security agency operates. The global economy is profoundly affected by their security and navigation services.
If you liked this article and want to hire a maritime security company for your vessel or cargo, then don’t hesitate to contact us.
