Independent Assessment

The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) has announced the independent assessor which will manage the accreditation process for its member companies.

Speaking to Lloyd’s List, SAMI said accreditations would begin in early November, using the experienced security assessment company NSI as the independent means of verification. The process is expected to take between four to six months, depending upon the size of the company.

“Insurers want to see a track record and that is a very healthy way of looking at things,” said SAMI founder Peter Cook. “We need to prove ourselves and I have spoken to a number of people in the Lloyd’s market and have had a great deal of encouragement but the message is clear that they are waiting to see what we can do and we welcome the scrutiny. I would expect that within a year our status will be established. SAMI wants to blow away the smoke and mirrors and focus on transparency, integrity and clarity. It really is a simple mechanical process.”

SAMI said its accreditation programme has been developed in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) revised Maritime Safety Committee circular 1405 and upholds circulars 1406 and 1408, as well as additional industry best practices.

According to Mr Cook the programme has three distinct stages: due diligence of the company’s commercial standing, practices and supporting documentation; an office verification of the administrative, logistical and operational procedures to ensure that maritime security operations are conducted to a professional standard; and finally checks of deployed teams to ensure that company procedures are being followed.

NSI chief executive Jeff Little said: “We are delighted to work with Sami, it will be a demanding remit, often working within a fast paced, challenging global environment. Our mission at NSI will be to uphold the independence and credibility of the SAMI standard.”

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