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| SAMI selects NSI as the independent assessing body for their Maritime Security Accreditation Programme |
The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) has announced the selection of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) as the independent assessing body for their Maritime Security Accreditation Programme, delivering robust verification and certification for companies providing security to merchant ships, offshore installations and port facilities worldwide.
SAMI, an international Non Governmental Organisation, acts as an independent trade association for the maritime security industry, one of the fastest growing fields within the whole security sector. SAMI has forged relationships with flag States, international shipping associations and the insurance industry in their industry led drive to set global standards. Their members are active in countering the spread of piracy, drug smuggling, trafficking and terrorism; threats which we hear about in the media almost on a daily basis. The risk is now global, and not just limited to the High Risk Area around the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean.
The operations carried out by SAMI members mean that it is essential that quality service providers come to the fore. Commenting on the importance of a stringent inspection regime, SAMI Director, Peter Cook explained: "It was prudent for the SAMI Accreditation Programme to employ an independent, third-party to implement the scheme. Our choice of NSI was clear due to their thorough approach to inspection processes and knowledge and experience of the security sector".
Jeff Little OBE, Chief Executive of NSI added, "Piracy has grown rapidly in recent years to become one of the most difficult challenges facing the maritime and security sectors today. The immediacy of that threat can be seen by the speed and momentum SAMI has generated over such a short space of time. This is a very demanding remit and we are delighted that SAMI have selected us to take forward the third party certification of a security industry sector which is developing very quickly. Our mission is to maintain and improve standards and we look forward to undertaking that task in this dynamic and challenging environment."
