TDC Vessel Security Teams
Options include less than lethal or armed teams (combination) depending on assessment and consultation with client.
Vessel Security Teams (VST), are comprised of former US and NATO military professionals and have a combined armed and non-lethal capability for shipboard deployment. . Members are trained and equipped to utilize the latest non-lethal hailing and warning technology (optical, acoustic, concussive) integrated with Vessel's Security Plan to provide a layered defense. Awareness and training of crew and team are key, to detect, thwart and defend against pirate attack at sea or inport.
If clients desire to select armed option, teams are trained to use warning shots and deadly force only as a last resort if the crew is in imminent danger and all other means have failed. The concept is to prevent intruders from boarding a vessel not to inflict casualties. TDC VST members have extensive experience in humanitarian, peacekeeping and combat operations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Maritime Security Audits
All approved Ship and Facility security plans are required to be audited on an annual basis. TDC provides worldwide maritime security experts so your company can rely on our expertise from a third party perspective. Audits are conducted on-board the vessel or at your facility. This is a one-day audit.
The audit includes:
- On-site inspection
- Security drill
- Documentation of audit
- Written recommendations for your security plan.
TDC specializes in providing training that is in compliance with International Maritime Organizations' (IMO) requirements, protects your financial interests, and meets your company's needs.
Basic Awareness Training is the cornerstone of any viable security program, and is recommended for all members of your organization. Basic Awareness Training helps improve employees' threat awareness capabilities, and gives them the confidence they need to deter threats. Once your employees complete basic training, they can begin to defend your company from outside threats. This training is designed to meet the specific requirements of the ISPS code and 33 CFR.(This training is for all personnel with security duties and all other personnel.
Aside from scheduled, public training, TDC also offers onsite, tailored security training to educate shipboard and shore personnel. Two-day training for CSO, SSO's and Three-day training for PFSO's.
Training topics include:
- Security Assessments
- Shipboard Security Plans
- Threat Analysis Methodology
- Terrorist Operations
- International Requirements
- Obtaining a "Declaration of Security"
TDC's experts have been teaching merchant mariners to deter terrorist acts against commercial ships for over five years. And now we can do the same for your company and your personnel—based on your organizations' operational requirements.
Drills and Exercises
Your company is required to conduct three drills and one exercise annually. These drills will solidify that your approved security measures are working. After conducting the drills, the TDC analysis will assist you in amending your plans. TDC can save you time and improve the effectiveness of the drills by sending you three drills and one exercise for you to conduct. TDC can also visit your facility or vessel and coordinate these customized exercises. On-site drills and exercises are less than one day.
TDC's Security Alerts (Intel Digest & Analysis)
TDC's security analysts will work with your company to develop a threat information- and assessment-gathering system. This valuable system will empower your company and vessel security officers to properly assign responsibilities, identify possible threats, and estimate the likelihood of their occurrence in order to establish and prioritize security measures.
Threat information is customized and delivered to you on a regular basis. This important information is consolidated from governmental and non-governmental sources, including Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels. TDC analysis is supplied where applicable. 33 CFR requires CSO's and VSO's to "Ensure security awareness and vigilance..." These web-based valuable alerts will assist your company in meeting this requirement.
TDC Station Bill Intel Digest & Analysis
Vulnerability Assessments
TDC will work closely with your crews and security personnel to establish and prioritize your security measures.
The Vessel Security Assessment is an essential and integral part of developing your Vessel Security Plan. TDC will assist you in identifying vulnerabilities, human risk factors, infrastructure weaknesses, and policies and procedures to aid in the development of your security plans and procedures.
Ship and Facility Security Plans
TDC will develop Ship and Facility Security Plans for your organization. Every plan is customized and discussed in detail, to ensure that the resulting Plans fully reflect the needs of your organization and conform to international maritime security requirements. TDC guarantees that your plan will be approved by the USCG or designated Agency for compliance.
Plans include but are not limited to:
- Developing comprehensive security policies and procedures
- Formulating variable security postures to meet changing threats
- Creating and conducting training programs for crews and key security personnel
- Exploring in-depth threat deterrence, detection, delay and mitigation strategies
- Hazardous device and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) planning
- Developing and implementing Maritime Security (MARSEC) protective measures
