THE MSO COURSE HISTORY

With a long standing history of amphibious knowledge, in both UKSF and the Private Security Sector, 3rg have been at the forefront in the development of a Maritime Security Operative (MSO) qualification. This development has included delivery of an ‘in-house’ 3rg designed course syllabus but latterly as part of a group of industry experts for the soon to be introduced City and Guilds 8269 MSO qualification.

3rg have previous experience in training course development, having designed a bespoke training package for a law enforcement agency as part of a long standing local Government contract. 3rg have also held ISO9001 accreditation for a total of 7 years and are a nationally accredited centre with City & Guilds, Edexcel and the Health & Safety Executive for the delivery of security and first aid training.

MSO Development History

The following time frame details the historical lead-in to the current work 3rg are undertaking as part of the consultation team in the development of the MSO qualification on behalf of City and Guilds.

Early 2008 – whilst deployed on shipping providing security in the Gulf of Aden, 3rg recognise that a bespoke qualification is needed within the Maritime Security industry for personnel working on-board vessels in the Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) role.

Many of 3rg personnel already have MCA qualifications including SSO, CSO & PFSO which are already recognised by the Private Security Industry as not being fit for purpose in the conduct of Anti-Piracy operations.

2009 – Piracy is on the increase, EUNAVFOR establish the IRTC, 3rg continue with the development of the MSO course whilst continuing to provide Maritime Security Operators to shipping in the High Risk Area (HRA).

2010 – As Piracy continues to increase, a number of the larger Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC’s) continue to demonstrate to client companies their personnel are suitably trained and qualified for the PCASP role through the Ship Security Officer (SSO) course.

To clarify that the SSO course was not a requirement for Armed Security Personnel, 3rg approached the MCA and IMO for written verification, the following was obtained:

‘PCASP are not required to attend the Ships Security Officers (SSO) course to operate on vessels’ – Tushar Bijur, MCA training manager.

The SSO course a requirement for ship security officers to meet their general obligations under SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, neither of which were intended to address the carriage of armed personnel pursuant to countering piracy – Chris Trelawny, Deputy Director, IMO

Early 2011 – 3rg launch the first MSO course which is an instant success and blocked booked by a Poole based PMSC to show best practice in training of their PCASP. Other PMSC’s follow suit along with individual service leavers looking to work in the Maritime Security sector.

2011 – 3rg joins the Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG). 3rg’s Managing Partner, James Rapp CB, is elected to the SCEG executive committee.

October 2011 – The Prime Minister announces that Armed Security will be allowed on UK‐flagged vessels.

Early 2012 – 3rg have the first formal discussions with City & Guilds to form a MSO qualification. All findings are openly shared with the SCEG in the interest of industry best practice.

2012 – Officially through the SCEG and as part of an industry consultation process 3rg approach other Awarding Organisations (AO’s) to see if they would be also interested in the development of a MSO course – all findings are passed onto the SCEG.

Late 2012 – The SCEG officially approached City & Guilds to develop the Maritime Security Operative Course.

Early 2013 – 3rg were officially approached by City & Guilds to develop the units for the Level 3 8269 Maritime Security Operative qualification along with subject matter experts from two other Maritime Security Companies.

The units for the training criteria of the MSO qualification are mapped against the recently introduced ISO28007 Maritime Security standard. This standard was developed with 3rg’s Managing Partner as the SCEG executives committees lead representative.

June 2013 – The launch of the long awaited Level 3 8269 Maritime Security Operative (MSO) qualification.

Be sure to book your MSO course with a training company with a credible history and knowledge of the industry!!

Visit 3rg | Operational Risk Management and Specialist Maritime Security Training for more detail or contact us via info@3rg.co.uk or call the 3rg Poole training centre on 01202 744582