All industry participants will be well aware of the difficulties caused by the recent flourishing of piracy in the western Indian Ocean and elsewhere. A whole vessel security industry continues to grow, particularly in Dubai, as a result. In recent times, minds have turned to consider the liabilities and consequent legal and insurance issues arising

On 1 February, the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (“SAMI”) launched its International Accreditation Programme for Private Maritime Security Companies. Members of SAMI will undergo a three-stage process of due diligence, systems checks and site visits. Whilst the programme will be managed by SAMI, all accreditations will be performed by an independent body, the