Global management system certifier, Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) launched its range of assessment and training services to the maritime security standard, ISO/PAS 28007 at an event held at the Lloyd’s Register Group headquarters.
The event aimed at private maritime security companies (PMSCs) wanting to find out more about the maritime security standard, ISO/PAS 28007, covered both the practicalities of developing a management system for external certification and the background to the development of the standard. The half-day event finished with an open question and answer session which enabled the delegates to raise specific concerns and issues.
The first of the presentations saw Robin Townsend, Flag State Requirements & Regulatory Affairs Lead Specialist at Lloyd’s Register giving the background to the development of the standard. As Project Leader for the ISO committee responsible for developing ISO/PAS 28007, Robin was in an ideal position to offer insight into the rationale behind the new standard.
“ISO/PAS 28007 has been developed in response to the rising threat of piracy in high risk areas. It is a pragmatic solution from the shipping industry, IMO and classification societies. External certification to this standard will allow PMSCs to clearly demonstrate their reliability and professionalism and will lead to increasing confidence in the sector from both the industry itself and the public. In essence, it is about helping secure the safety of seafarers, ships and their assets,” commented Robin.
The event included a session on the requirements of the standard and the management system approach. During this presentation, delegates were advised of the need to become approved to ISO 28000, the security standard for supply chains in conjunction with the specific requirements of ISO/PAS 28007.
Commenting on the launch of its services, David Derrick, LRQA UK Business Centre Manager said. “Our clients will have the kudos of working with the oldest established management system company operating in this sector backed with the pedigree and experience of being part of the Lloyd’s Register group of companies. Our collaboration with specialist risk and management consultancy, IRSS, brings additional maritime security experience.”
In May this year, LRQA announced it will be one of the certification bodies involved in the UKAS pilot programme. It already holds UKAS accreditation for ISO 28000.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
