The 23 December pirate attack on an Italian ship 40 nautical miles off the coast of Nigeria's Bayelsa state is part of a growing trend in Africa's Gulf of Guinea region. Four crew members were kidnapped.
Land-based kidnappings are also on the rise. Until recently, money has seemed to be the primary aim of kidnappers. But a new threat is emerging. Yesterday, the Islamic group Ansaru claimed it was behind last week's kidnapping in northern Nigeria of French engineer Francis Colump. Previous speculation centered on the al-Qaada linked Boko Haram.
Of ten piracy incidents reported in December by the Piracy Reporting Centre of the International Maritime Bureau, five were in waters off Africa - three near Somalia, two off the Nigerian coast and one, consisting of two separate approaches, to vessels near Lome, Togo.
A report in the Christian Science Monitor early this year suggested that west Africa is becoming the next piracy hot spot. The report said the cost of piracy, including cargo theft and higher insurance and security costs, had reached an estimated $2 billion annually, compared with $7 billion from piracy off Somalia.
There have been more than 50 reported incidents in west Africa in 2012, according to the Maritime Bureau. Half of them were off Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer.
Over time, attacks have expanded from cargoes seized off smaller boats to hijacking ships that are taken to tankers, where petroleum or other products are transferred. A ship near Bayelsa on 13 December managed to repel a pirate attack, but a security officer was killed and two injured in a 20-minute exchange of gunfire, according to the Piracy Reporting Centre.
The Italian foreign ministry said that three of the four crew members kidnapped Sunday were Italian. The Associated Press reported that the attacked ship was the Asso Ventuno operated by a company in Naples.
Kidnappings Rise
Kidnapping complements the value of stolen shipments as a source of revenue for pirates. On 17 December, five Indian sailors were taken from a Belgian ship. Many of the pirate attacks up and down Africa's west coast are thought to be the work of increasingly sophisticated and heavily armed Nigerian criminal enterprises.
But kidnappings in Nigeria extend far beyond the country's oil-rich waters. In another 17 December raid, five construction workers were seized.
What South Africa's Institute for Security Studies last year called Nigeria's "culture of criminal kidnapping", which it warned was on the rise, has produced high-profile victims, including the father of Nigerian football star Michael Obi, a Chelsea midfielder, and Nkem Owoh, an actor in Nigeria's flourishing Nollywood film industry.
Earlier this month the mother of Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former World Bank managing director was kidnapped from her home and released several days later. Nigerian media reported that a ransom was paid after tense negotiations on the amount, but the government did not confirm the stories.
Piracy and terrorist attacks are two of the problems expected to be the focus of stepped-up United States military engagement in Africa. Answering a question after a speech this month at George Washington University, General Carter Ham, the head of the U.S. Africa Command - Africom - based in Stuttgart, Germany, said Africom now has a rapid-response or quick-strike force. The unit, based at Fort Carson, Colorado, will likely have counter-terrorism and other special forces operators "forward deployed" in Africa much of the time, according to Stars and Stripes, a U.S. Defense Department-authorized news service whose editorial independence is guaranteed by Congress.
The Associated Press is reporting that a U.S. army brigade of around 3500 soldiers will be giving anti-terrorism training to troops of a majority of African countries by the second quarter of 2013. Based in Fort Riley, Kansas, the group is not intended to be as combat force.
The seizure of the French engineer, employed by the energy firm Vergnet, may signal a growing threat by militia-style groups in Nigeria. Some 30 gunmen killed two people, including a security guard, in their attack on Colump's residence in a private compound in the town of Rimi, near Nigeria's border with Niger. Vergnet is working with Nigeria's power officials to develop a wind farm in Katsina state.
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aritime security is a $14 billion (US) per year industry and it continues to grow every year. Piracy effects the entire global supply chain. It directly impacts the price of petroleum, food, merchandise and other consumables in every nation.
During the year 2010, over $240 million (US) was paid out to meet pirate ransom demands. But in previous years such as in 2005, the average ransom demand was only $150,000 US. Within five years, the average ransom demand skyrocketed to $5 million and even further up to $9.5 million (US).
Qualified security personnel working in designated High Risk Waters earn wages far above the security industry average. Skilled English speaking maritime security professionals with the proper training and background earn between $5,000 up to $7,000 (US) per month and sometimes more.
Jegalal AES Kenya Ltd & Homeland Defense and Counter Terrorism Launched Innovative Maritime Anti-piracy Solutions. The launch of a comprehensive maritime shipboard security officer (SSO) and vessel security officer manpower talent database to support the hiring needs of the international maritime community.
In late October 2012, Kevin James, a US Navy veteran and CEO of Homeland Defense Corp., traveled to Mombasa, Kenya to meet with directors of the Kenya Maritime Authority. The meeting was arranged in cooperation with retired Major General, Pastor O. Awitta (retired) former Commander of the Kenya Navy and Jonathan Egalal, President of Jegalal Advanced Enterprise Solutions, a licensed manpower staffing firm also headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
An agreement was reached to begin offering IMO and ISPS Code compliant maritime training and certification to approximately 4,500 veterans of the Kenya Navy and other African security professionals. The objective is to provide an intelligent, cost affordable solution to help mitigate the growing threat of piracy in the Horn of Africa region and worldwide.
“Many international shipping companies don’t realize that Kenya shares its border with Somalia,” . “The close proximity of Kenya to Somalia will significantly reduce hiring, mobilization and deployment costs for an employer. This effort will also boost the economy of Kenya as the world reaches out and hire its citizens to satisfy the heavy demand for qualified manpower.
The economic benefits of hiring Kenyans are wonderful, but from a practical perspective, veterans of the Kenya Navy bring invaluable wisdom and experience gained from working in the region. Its familiar waters, in their own backyard. Furthermore, Kenya brings a greater cultural, political and geographic awareness unfamiliar to foreigners.
In May of 2012, the Kenya Maritime Authority earned the distinguished honor of being inducted onto the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ‘white list’. This is a remarkable accomplishment. IMO white list inclusion means that a qualified seafarer having completed Kenya Maritime Authority approved training and vetting is fully qualified to work anywhere in the world. Shipping companies and prospective employers can rest assured that certified mariners from Kenya possess a level of knowledge and demonstrated competency of the highest international standards.
Employers who choose to hire from Jegalal Advanced Enterprise Solutions maritime security talent pool will have access to a full suite of integrated solutions designed to better help them monitor, evaluate, predict and analyze global maritime incidents in real-time, follow emerging trends, plan vessel transit, communications, and much more.We have launched the same innovation maritime anti-piracy in Nigeria West African,there is no way West African Countries can combat Piracy without using/or involvement of the Nigerian nationals as most of the Pirates in West Africa has got Nigerian roots. 1 minute ago
Jonathan Egalal
Jonathan Egalal • Maritime security is a $14 billion (US) per year industry and it continues to grow every year. Piracy effects the entire global supply chain. It directly impacts the price of petroleum, food, merchandise and other consumables in every nation.
During the year 2010, over $240 million (US) was paid out to meet pirate ransom demands. But in previous years such as in 2005, the average ransom demand was only $150,000 US. Within five years, the average ransom demand skyrocketed to $5 million and even further up to $9.5 million (US).
Qualified security personnel working in designated High Risk Waters earn wages far above the security industry average. Skilled English speaking maritime security professionals with the proper training and background earn between $5,000 up to $7,000 (US) per month and sometimes more. Jegalal Advanced Enterprise Solutions LLC is there for your needs
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MERCHANT MARINER’S LICENSE
Folks,read the following statements very carefully. Maritime laws and regulations are not strictly followed by many developing nations, even those holding International Maritime Organization (IMO) “white list” endorsement. The White List refers to specific countries that have demonstrated a plan of full compliance with the STCW Convention and Code as revised in 1995.
The information provided here will clear up wide spread confusion that exists regarding mariner credentials and licenses.
Fact One: A Merchant Mariner’s License or USCG license, is not the same thing as a STCW 95 Compliant Certificate. A person may already hold a USCG license or the equivalent thereof, but may have not taken the required training to obtain an STCW Compliant Certificate. To work as a Ship Security Officer, Company Security or VSO on board a vessel traversing international waters you need both the license and the certificate.
Fact Two: Maritime course attendees must have at a minimum, six (6) months of watch-keeping experience on a seaworthy vessel to earn a Certificate of Competency endorsed by a nation's maritime authority. (Reference: Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1692(M)). Proof of sea experience must be documented in a Discharge Book, Sea Service Log Book, or in the form a Discharge Certificate. (Reference: MSN 1692 Table 3.3.1)
Fact Three: If a prospective mariner cannot substantiate the required minimum six (6) months of watch-keeping experience on a seaworthy vessel, according to MSN 1692 (M) 3.3.1, the presentation of a “Written Testimonial” by a responsible person having personal knowledge of the facts will be accepted.
Fact Four: Close protection guards performing ship security duties on an ISPS Code compliant ship DO NOT need an SSO certificate. This is clearly explained in the STCW 2012, ‘New Requirements for Security Training for Shipboard Personnel’, page 3, paragraph item 4.
Fact Five: “Proficiency in Designated Security Duties”, this is a new training mandate described in the MCA circular which references STCW 2012 training requirement for shipboard personnel. (See pages 2 and 3)
“3.2 - The MCA will recognise, for service in UK registered ships, Certificates of Proficiency in designated security duties and Certificates of proficiency as SSO issued under the STCW requirements by another Maritime Administration, if we already accept their Certificate of Competence (CoC) towards the issue of UK Certificate of Equivalent Competence (CEC). A list of Administrations with whom we have agreements to issue CECs is available from our website.”
“4.0 - Personal close protection and ship protection duties. Those carrying out personal close protection and/or ship protection duties on ISPS Code compliant ships do not need to hold SSO qualifications unless they are the designated SSO on the vessel in which they are serving. However, as they will be carrying out ships security duties they will have to hold an MCA approved or recognised Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. Please refer to section 3.9 of “Interim Guidance to UK Flagged Shipping on the Use of Armed Guards to Defend Against the Threat of Piracy in Exceptional Circumstances” for further guidance.”
Commentary: In paragraph 4 of the 2012 MCA circular, we find very ambiguous, unclear and vague language. A close protection security specialist is given the green light if you will, to carry out both close protection services “and/or” ship protection duties on an ISPS Code compliant ship.
In addition, these persons do not need to hold SSO qualifications unless they are the designated SSO on the vessel. In other words, such persons do not need a mariners license, Z-card or any other license. They must have an MCA “approved OR recognized” Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
This loop hole in the law opens the door for a fully qualified Close Protection Specialist with adequate experience, knowledge and competency to perform security duties on board a ship. To do so, they will need to complete the requisite training and possess a Certificate of Proficiency In Designated Security Duties.
DOCUMENTS EMPLOYERS WILL REQUIRE
General Medical Health Assessment - Form CG-719K Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness - Form CG-719K/E DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Test - CG-719/P Application for License - CG-719/B Certificate of Proficiency In Designated Security Duties Certificate of Competency for SSO/VSO Duties Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination Proof of Firearms Qualifications or Proficiency
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MERCHANT MARINER’S LICENSE
Folks,read the following statements very carefully. Maritime laws and regulations are not strictly followed by many developing nations, even those holding International Maritime Organization (IMO) “white list” endorsement. The White List refers to specific countries that have demonstrated a plan of full compliance with the STCW Convention and Code as revised in 1995.
The information provided here will clear up wide spread confusion that exists regarding mariner credentials and licenses.
Fact One: A Merchant Mariner’s License or USCG license, is not the same thing as a STCW 95 Compliant Certificate. A person may already hold a USCG license or the equivalent thereof, but may have not taken the required training to obtain an STCW Compliant Certificate. To work as a Ship Security Officer, Company Security or VSO on board a vessel traversing international waters you need both the license and the certificate.
Fact Two: Maritime course attendees must have at a minimum, six (6) months of watch-keeping experience on a seaworthy vessel to earn a Certificate of Competency endorsed by a nation's maritime authority. (Reference: Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1692(M)). Proof of sea experience must be documented in a Discharge Book, Sea Service Log Book, or in the form a Discharge Certificate. (Reference: MSN 1692 Table 3.3.1)
Fact Three: If a prospective mariner cannot substantiate the required minimum six (6) months of watch-keeping experience on a seaworthy vessel, according to MSN 1692 (M) 3.3.1, the presentation of a “Written Testimonial” by a responsible person having personal knowledge of the facts will be accepted.
Fact Four: Close protection guards performing ship security duties on an ISPS Code compliant ship DO NOT need an SSO certificate. This is clearly explained in the STCW 2012, ‘New Requirements for Security Training for Shipboard Personnel’, page 3, paragraph item 4.
Fact Five: “Proficiency in Designated Security Duties”, this is a new training mandate described in the MCA circular which references STCW 2012 training requirement for shipboard personnel. (See pages 2 and 3)
“3.2 - The MCA will recognise, for service in UK registered ships, Certificates of Proficiency in designated security duties and Certificates of proficiency as SSO issued under the STCW requirements by another Maritime Administration, if we already accept their Certificate of Competence (CoC) towards the issue of UK Certificate of Equivalent Competence (CEC). A list of Administrations with whom we have agreements to issue CECs is available from our website.”
“4.0 - Personal close protection and ship protection duties. Those carrying out personal close protection and/or ship protection duties on ISPS Code compliant ships do not need to hold SSO qualifications unless they are the designated SSO on the vessel in which they are serving. However, as they will be carrying out ships security duties they will have to hold an MCA approved or recognised Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. Please refer to section 3.9 of “Interim Guidance to UK Flagged Shipping on the Use of Armed Guards to Defend Against the Threat of Piracy in Exceptional Circumstances” for further guidance.”
Commentary: In paragraph 4 of the 2012 MCA circular, we find very ambiguous, unclear and vague language. A close protection security specialist is given the green light if you will, to carry out both close protection services “and/or” ship protection duties on an ISPS Code compliant ship.
In addition, these persons do not need to hold SSO qualifications unless they are the designated SSO on the vessel. In other words, such persons do not need a mariners license, Z-card or any other license. They must have an MCA “approved OR recognized” Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
Jonathan Egalal • Jegalal AES Kenya Ltd & Homeland Defense and Counter Terrorism Launched Innovative Maritime Anti-piracy Solutions. The launch of a comprehensive maritime shipboard security officer (SSO) and vessel security officer manpower talent database to support the hiring needs of the international maritime community.
In late October 2012, Kevin James, a US Navy veteran and CEO of Homeland Defense Corp., traveled to Mombasa, Kenya to meet with directors of the Kenya Maritime Authority. The meeting was arranged in cooperation with retired Major General, Pastor O. Awitta (retired) former Commander of the Kenya Navy and Jonathan Egalal, President of Jegalal Advanced Enterprise Solutions, a licensed manpower staffing firm also headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
An agreement was reached to begin offering IMO and ISPS Code compliant maritime training and certification to approximately 4,500 veterans of the Kenya Navy and other African security professionals. The objective is to provide an intelligent, cost affordable solution to help mitigate the growing threat of piracy in the Horn of Africa region and worldwide.
“Many international shipping companies don’t realize that Kenya shares its border with Somalia,” . “The close proximity of Kenya to Somalia will significantly reduce hiring, mobilization and deployment costs for an employer. This effort will also boost the economy of Kenya as the world reaches out and hire its citizens to satisfy the heavy demand for qualified manpower.
The economic benefits of hiring Kenyans are wonderful, but from a practical perspective, veterans of the Kenya Navy bring invaluable wisdom and experience gained from working in the region. Its familiar waters, in their own backyard. Furthermore, Kenya brings a greater cultural, political and geographic awareness unfamiliar to foreigners.
In May of 2012, the Kenya Maritime Authority earned the distinguished honor of being inducted onto the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ‘white list’. This is a remarkable accomplishment. IMO white list inclusion means that a qualified seafarer having completed Kenya Maritime Authority approved training and vetting is fully qualified to work anywhere in the world. Shipping companies and prospective employers can rest assured that certified mariners from Kenya possess a level of knowledge and demonstrated competency of the highest international standards.
Employers who choose to hire from Jegalal Advanced Enterprise Solutions maritime security talent pool will have access to a full suite of integrated solutions designed to better help them monitor, evaluate, predict and analyze global maritime incidents in real-time, follow emerging trends, plan vessel transit, communications, and much more.We have launched the same innovation maritime anti-piracy in Nigeria West African,there is no way West African Countries can combat Piracy without using/or involvement of the Nigerian nationals as most of the Pirates in West Africa has got Nigerian roots.The used of Nigerian Ex-naval men with their experience will in their waters will still help the fight of the Piracy in West Africa.
Jonathan Egalal
Jonathan Egalal • Maritime security is a $14 billion (US) per year industry and it continues to grow every year. Piracy effects the entire global supply chain. It directly impacts the price of petroleum, food, merchandise and other consumables in every nation.
During the year 2010, over $240 million (US) was paid out to meet pirate ransom demands. But in previous years such as in 2005, the average ransom demand was only $150,000 US. Within five years, the average ransom demand skyrocketed to $5 million and even further up to $9.5 million (US).
Qualified security personnel working in designated High Risk Waters earn wages far above the security industry average. Skilled English speaking maritime security professionals with the proper training and background earn between $5,000 up to $7,000 (US) per month and sometimes more. Jegalal Advanced Enterprise Solutions LLC is there for your needs
Jonathan Egalal
Jonathan Egalal • This loop hole in the law opens the door for a fully qualified Close Protection Specialist with adequate experience, knowledge and competency to perform security duties on board a ship. To do so, they will need to complete the requisite training and possess a Certificate of Proficiency In Designated Security Duties.
DOCUMENTS EMPLOYERS WILL REQUIRE
General Medical Health Assessment - Form CG-719K Merchant Mariner Evaluation of Fitness - Form CG-719K/E DOT/USCG Periodic Drug Test - CG-719/P Application for License - CG-719/B Certificate of Proficiency In Designated Security Duties Certificate of Competency for SSO/VSO Duties Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination Proof of Firearms Qualifications or Proficiency