Retrain in maritime security: brand new counter-piracy course with funding

Feb. 21, 2012 - PRLog -- The unique course is tailored to include the ISPS Code Ship Security Office and Counter Piracy training and meets all maritime industry requirements. Two weeks ago, the course was approved by the MOD as a Level 3 qualification.

The Company, who specialise in security training, consultancy and operations, will run the course over 11 days at their UK headquarters in Staffordshire, based at their HQ and also at their purpose built training facility at another location nearby. The course will be delivered every 2 weeks, due to demand and interested candidates are to contact Eos direct.

The course has been designed to meet the requirements laid down by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) with regards to the selection of Private Security Personnel looking to provide armed maritime anti-piracy security services. Highly comprehensive content includes International Ship and Port Facility Security Code compliance, STCW95 Basic Safety Training, Maritime Security Risk Management, Radio Operator, Weapons System Management and counter piracy measures.

"Security and protection for seafaring vessels is of utmost importance to ship owners and for the safety of crew and cargo," explains Eos Managing Director David Johnson.

"With maritime piracy attacks reaching almost 500 in 2011, candidates attending the course will learn the necessary skills tackle every eventuality. Our aim is to produce seafaring security personnel, not security personnel who happen to be on a ship”

Around 90% of the world’s trade is carried by the maritime industry at some point in its supply chain. The ocean covers around 70% of our planet and with vast amounts of capital tied up in assets and cargo; it’s obvious that the security and protection of this industry is paramount.

The course costs £2400 and upon completion, successful candidates will achieve several internationally recognised and accredited awards under the umbrella of the Vessel Protection Officers course.

Eos was founded in 2006 and is the preferred provider for many shipping organisations, charterers, underwriters and vessel operators including household names and top 100 maritime corporations.

The new course comes at a pertinent time when continued cuts are being announced across the military and around 19,000 armed forces personnel will be looking to retrain in 2012. The recent approval from MOD means that the candidates are now eligible for funding under the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) programme2. Candidates must allow five weeks between applying for funding and commencing on the course.

In additional to professional training Eos provide consultancy and armed teams for protective vessel security and anti-piracy, specialist maritime security systems, threat intelligence, vulnerability surveys & risk assessments, asset hardening consultancy and full project management, physical protection, recruitment and manpower services, and ISPS compliance.

David comments: “Since 2009 we have helped to deal directly with many incidents across the international waters and our security teams consist solely of former UK armed forces personnel including both naval and army forces.”

The course will provide individuals with the key preparation skills to mitigate the risk of vessel hijacking as well as ticking all of the increasing number of regulatory boxes required of the individual operatives by their employers and their employer’s clients.

We face challenging environments across our international landscape and the risks encountered at sea can cost the shipping industry billions. Eos’s courses train some of world's most highly trained professionals in maritime security, allowing ship owners to counter some of the dangers of the open ocean.

Notes to Editor

1.   Full course details available online - http://www.eosrisk.com/training-course-details.php?Vessel...
2.   The MOD's Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) is an initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. http://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com/