SUPER YACHT SECURITY – DO YOU NEED IT?

Yacht and larger vessel security has never been more important and necessary than in today’s uncertain political climate as the globe becomes an ever more uncertain place in which to dwell. High net-worth super yacht owners face demanding challenges due to their wealth, associations and a costly, luxurious asset that can be a crowd-puller and magnet for attention and awareness wherever it berths. 

So what is the best method of security to employ for your yacht?  Ex military and/or police force personnel? Or ex police and military personnel who have had many years of experience of ocean going cruise liners and yachts?  It is my opinion that this important combination of both sea going service and a dependable and exemplary military background is the best choice for your peace of mind and overall security manning. 

Having a combination of both allows for a high level of security whilst alongside or transiting through hazardous waters and also having on–hand a high-quality resource of experienced deck hands knowledgeable in all types of ports in most countries and used to dealing with people on a daily basis. 

Most of these very dedicated Security Officers have previously had a long career with the Royal Navy, Royal Marines or British Police Forces.  This is not to say that all the Security Officers are British although there is a great deal of them out there.  There are excellent and experienced Security Officers from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Israel and other countries; all of whom are very capable of carrying out security threat assessments and reviewing Ships’ Security Plans.  If a plan is not in place, we are able to produce one to the highest standard.

It cannot be stressed more; that experienced security personnel have an inherent ability to sense when things are not right and they will immediately act on their suspicions. Also, should an incident occur, the investigation and subsequent reports and evidence will be presented in a high standard suitable for any court or legal proceedings that may take place.

It is also more conducive to watertight security to have dedicated personnel upholding the safety and security of the ship as they will not be distracted by other duties, nor will security levels suffer as a direct result of security personnel having already completed a full days work on other duties before taking control of the vessels access point, this is especially important where overnight berthing is concerned.

Recently we have seen a rise in the number of pirate attacks nearly worldwide; from the Amazon to the Caribbean and from the South China Sea to Malaysia any yacht or low freeboard ship runs the risk of being boarded by these latter day pirates.  We know only too well what happened to the luxury liner Seabourn Spirit during her transit through the dangerous waters off southern Somalia. 

Although there were just two small boats manned by four or five people armed with light machine guns and rocket launchers there was a real risk of the vessel being captured, however; due to the actions of the Captain, the British ex Royal Navy Security Officer and his team of Gurkhas a potential tragedy was averted and the ship was able to move to safety.

Only a few carefully chosen security personnel make it long term in the liner and super yacht security business, those with patience, alertness and vigilance from the start who soon become an absolute necessity and eventually a part (if a distant relative) of the family with expertise in safeguarding yacht owners with sophisticated bespoke security. Naturally, these highly trained personnel are accustomed to working at the highest levels and with all the discretion and confidentiality that you expect from a highly skilled and motivated team providing you with:

Do you need a specialised security team for your yacht?  This author says yes; yes you do.
For further information, advice and consultation please contact Marco.

Bob Snowball and Marco Haajanen (Click here to download Marco's CV)