IMSN to Offer Complimentary Anti-Piracy Training Course to Seafarers In Honor of National Maritime Day
Wellsburg, WV
(May 20, 2011) - Reflecting the gratitude that Americans have for its
maritime industry and seafarers who held a significant role in the
country's history, the International Maritime Security Network (IMSN) is
offering complimentary Anti-Piracy training for the first 25 mariners
who enroll in honor of National Maritime Day. IMSN has announced it will
permanently reduce its rate for the online course to $125 from $299.
In addition, IMSN will offer the Vessel and Facility Persons with Specific Security Duties
(V-FPSSD) course at
$350. In 2012, this course will be mandatory for all U.S.-flagged
mariners with specific security duties under Standards of Certification,
Training and Watchkeeping (SCTW). Presently, the course is offered in a
traditional in-person format, but an online version will be developed
by the end of the year.
"Mariners'
put their lives on the line daily by going to sea to move our
commerce--into hostile waters, dealing with dangerous weather, safety
issues and risks in foreign ports, while spending incredible amounts of
time away from loved ones. The terror of piracy at sea adds to these
perils," said Captain Timothy D. Nease (ret.), co-founder and CEO of
IMSN. He added that crewmembers, shipowners and operators must take
protective measures of a training course to combat piracy. "Our
initiative is all about saving lives," he continued.
National
Maritime Day has been observed on May 22 since 1933. It is the date
that the American steamship Savannah sailed from the United States to
England--the first successful voyage using steam propulsion. "This free
offer and reduced price initiative is our way of recognizing the dangers
faced by our seafarers on both an ordinary and extraordinary basis,"
said Captain Nease.
IMSN
is 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 that offers the
latest in management systems certification services, under its SeaSkill™
standard for maritime learning programs.
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. The
company also 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.
To enroll in the eLearning Anti-Piracy Defense Course or learn more about IMSN's training courses visit www.imsn.us/antipiracy/elearning.html or call (304) 394-1408
IMSN Earns DNV Certification for Anti-Piracy Course
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.
“Marinersʼ lives are at risk everyday around the globe. Knowledge is the key component to safety and itʼs vital that ship owners and crew members take the protective measures of a training course to combat piracy,” said Captain Nease. He continued, “DNVʼs highly respected SeaSkill certification program is widely known for its stringent reviews and audits to continuously exceed excellence, so itʼs 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 Bureauʼs (IMB) global piracy report. Additionally, 18 vessels were hijacked worldwide. “IMSNʼs 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.
IMSNʼs 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. IMSNʼs anti-piracy training course is available online or on DVD.
IMSN specializes in the development of vessel and port security plans including thirdparty 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 IMSNʼs 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.
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IMSN OFFERS THE TRITON SHIELD ANTI-PIRACY SYSTEM TO COMBAT AGAINST GLOBAL MARITIME THREATS
Wellsburg, WV (Mar. 14, 2011)— With seafarersʼ safety and lives at risk, along with the billions of dollars maritime piracy costs the global economy every year, International Maritime Security Network (IMSN) has developed a solution to combat piracy with its Triton Shield Anti-Piracy System (APS). The multi-layered defense package is designed to detect, deter and defend against piracy on the high seas by incorporating training, education, technological deterrents and security.
After five years of research and testing, the final phase of testing for the Triton Shield APS will be completed by the end of March on a voyage from Jacksonville, Fla., to San Juan, Puerto Rico, aboard a Horizon Lines vessel. A representative from the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) will observe and evaluate the Triton Shield APS and Anti-Piracy course aboard the Horizon Lines vessel.
The voyage will test IMSNʼs early-detection cameras, ballistic armor for safe rooms, and upgrades to the Triton Shield wall-of-water device. In addition, IMMARBE will observe crew training and a security teamʼs role aboard the vessel.
“While there is little credible threat of pirates in the Caribbean waters, the Horizon Lines vessel will allow testing of all processes and training of crew members at sea,” said Captain Timothy D. Nease (ret.), co-founder and CEO of IMSN. He added that this initial testing is imperative in preparation for another voyage on a different carrier scheduled through the high-risk waters off Africa in April.
The worldʼs largest ship registry, PMA, has certified the Triton Shield APS based on a demonstration conducted in Panama last September. IMSN also presented its Anti-Piracy course, which PMA is currently evaluating for certification. “The Panama Maritime Authorityʼs support for an anti-piracy system is very significant for the maritime industry,” said Captain Nease.
IMSNʼs Triton Shield APS provides layered security beginning with an innovative camera system to detect any watercraft that enters a one-mile radius of the IMSN-equipped vessel. Additionally, the Triton Shield water system discharges a powerful wall of water alongside of the ship, which can run continuously on vessels transiting through high-risk waters. The wall of water makes it extremely difficult for pirates to scale the hull of the ship, and can flood small boats within minutes. The wall of water can further be enhanced with environmentally safe irritants making it even more challenging for pirates to ever board a commercial vessel.
“Our team at IMSN has been researching ways to make the system more affordable and transferable between ships,” said Captain Nease. “This is a very practical solution for ship owners with multiple vessels. Weʼre also seeking designs applicable to yachts and expect to introduce customizable solutions this summer,” he continued.
According to IMSN, early detection of maritime piracy allows for proper use of force continuum with various methods of deterrence to harden the target and warn pirates off before the need for direct engagement and defense.
The Triton Shield APS was designed using anti-piracy intelligence and real world experience combined with the concept of force continuum. IMSN believes that piracy is a criminal action, and therefore a law enforcement issue that should be met with appropriate counter-measures.
The IMSN Anti-Piracy Defense Course, designed for officers and crews, provides concepts related to anti-piracy laws and the needed practical training for 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. IMSN has the only certified Anti-Piracy course available online or on DVD.
“We have offered IMSNʼs training both on-site and online because it is absolutely vital that we ensure that as many seafarers as possible are trained and safe,” noted Captain Nease.