Aspida has been granted ISO/PAS 28007:2012 certification for ships and marine technology.
ISO/PAS 28007 provides solid guidelines for private maritime security companies (PMSC).
Thanks to previous experience regarding the ISO 9001, all Aspida personnel are well accustomed to procedures and functions related to maritime security.
Aspida uses extensive training programmes, both internally and externally, in order to ensure that all deployed privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) meet the same high standards.
Internal audits are performed regularly, so all procedures are continually reviewed and the quality of service provided is constantly improving.
Among the benefits of ISO/PAS 28007 is the reassurance for customers that Aspida remains highly competitive. ISO/PAS 28007 certification from LRQA demonstrates that Aspida provides appropriate PCASP services onboard ships.
ISO/PAS 28007 certification provides the company, its customers, trading partners and other key stakeholders with confidence that all external and internal issues relating to PCASP are properly addressed.
Aspida CEO Panos G. Moraitis said: "In the last four years, commercial shipping has increasingly looked to the use of PCASP to protect vessels, crews, cargo and reputations.
"This has dramatically reduced the hijacking of vessels, and subsequently reduced the loss of life and traumatic hostage situations."
Aspida general manager Manos Roudas said: "The ISO/PAS 28007 award contains vital information for PMSC and the vessels on which they serve, by outlining the specific requirements for security management systems and the supply chain.
"The document focuses on subjects such as planning, training, awareness, communications and documentation.
"On an operational scale, it covers crime scene and forensic management, casualty management, customer focus and of course health and safety.
"In addition, the ISO/PAS 28007 is backed by major international corporations, as well as intelligence and law enforcement agencies, such as the IMO, INTERPOL, the European Commission, the Contact Group established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1851 and the UK appointed SCEG."
The shipping industry has learned lessons from previous hostile areas where the use of armed security contractors has been common. Although PCASP are employed on contracts, certain skills such as team medic (FPOS) and weapon handling (FCC) are ensured by Aspida as a mandatory requirement for the team to operate.
Standards have been rising since the start of the boom in maritime security. With the new ISO/PAS 28007 in hand, Aspida has proof that it focuses on client needs, performs solid risk assessments, implements proper procedures and carries out thorough screening and training of PCASP.
A new era for Aspida has just started.