Dania Beach, FL (April 21, 2011) – International Maritime Security Network (IMSN) has become the first maritime security training center to offer an eLearning-based Anti-Piracy Defense Course certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a worldwide leading certification body offering the latest in management systems certification services, under its SeaSkill£ standard for maritime learning programs. The announcement was made by Captain Timothy D. Nease (ret.), co-founder and CEO of IMSN, at the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) in Dania Beach, Fla. IMSN has the only DNV certified Anti-Piracy Course—offering a blended version of eLearning and practical drills and exercises. “Mariners’ lives are at risk everyday around the globe. Knowledge is the key component to safety and it’s vital that ship owners and crew members take the protective measures of a training course to combat piracy,” said Captain Nease. He continued, “DNV’s highly respected SeaSkill certification program is widely known for its stringent reviews and audits to continuously exceed excellence, so it’s remarkable for IMSN to have the first course certification for maritime anti-piracy training.” In the first quarter of 2011, pirates killed seven crewmembers, injured 34, and took 344 hostages according to International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) global piracy report. Additionally, 18 vessels were hijacked worldwide. “IMSN’s commitment to excellence in maritime security has resulted in a practical training course that will help to ensure seafarers can properly avoid or handle a piracy incident,” said Gordon Halsey, Principal Consultant for DNV. IMSN’s Anti-Piracy Defense Course provides practical training for vital activities such as watch-keeping, lockdown procedures, anti-piracy drills, hand-to-hand defensive tactics, as well as contingency plans for issues such as surviving a hostage attack or movement of prisoners. The training course also covers concepts related to anti-piracy laws. IMSN’s anti-piracy training course is available online or on DVD. IMSN specializes in the development of vessel and port security plans including third-party due diligence and auditing, certified training that integrates the required understanding of new international law, the current ISPS code, SUA conventions, and SOLAS amendments. In addition to IMSN’s training courses, the company provides equipment such as early-detection cameras, ballistic armor for safe rooms, the Triton Shield wall-of-water device and armed security teams to detect, deter and defend against maritime threats.
About IMSN
Backed by years of commercial maritime experience, as well as military and law enforcement experience, International Maritime Security Network (IMSN) is the premier maritime security provider. Based in West Virginia and operating worldwide, IMSN offers quality training, ship security assessments and audits, ship security plan writing, third-party due diligence security testing and the Triton Shield APS£. For more information, visit www.imsn.us or contact info@imsn.us.
About DNV
Det Norske Veritas (DNV) is a global provider of services for managing risk, helping customers safely and responsibly improve their business performance. DNV’s core competence is to identify, assess, and advise on how to manage risk. Organized as an independent, autonomous foundation, DNV balances the needs of business and society, based on its independence and integrity. With its objective of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV serves a range of industries, with a special focus on the maritime and energy sectors. Established in 1864, the company has a global presence with a network of 300 offices in 100 countries, and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Its prime assets are the knowledge and expertise of its 9,000 employees from 98 nations. DNV has had a presence in the USA for over 100 years.
About Ship Operations Cooperative Program
SOCP addresses and promotes commercial operations through the identification, development, and application of new methods, procedures, and technologies. SOCP’s overall objective is to improve the competitiveness, productivity, efficiency, safety, and environmental responsiveness of U.S. vessel operations. All U.S. based vessel operators and organizations that support vessel operations are eligible to participate in the program. With the support of the Maritime Administration (MARAD), industry, labor, and government are working together to address common challenges and identify new solutions for improvements in ship operations. For more information visit www.socp.us. IMSN Media Contact: Kimberly McCloskey BSY Associates Inc. (732) 817-0400 x14 Kimberly@bsya.com
