Specialist Security Officer - International Cruise Liner Corporation

Award Level: Various

Awarding Body: Various

Course Duration: Various

Details:

Overview

Risks Contained Limited was approached by a leading cruise line operator to discuss a range of specialist security training requirements for ship borne security staff deployed on vessels within the company's extensive world wide fleet.

The organisation has an operational security resource of approximately 450 staff engaged in security duties throughout its large passenger carrying fleet. The staff profile is diverse and multi cultural, with individuals recruited from Europe; Canada and Asia , company operations also reflect that diversity with cruise liners operating from all continents and major international seaports.

The training requirements related to the design and delivery of a range of additional specialist skills specifically designed to deal with aggressive, violent and dangerous individuals. An internal training needs analysis established an urgent requirement for staff to be trained in safe and effective methods of physical intervention and handcuff restraint. Additionally staff would also require training input into associated elements of legislation and dynamic conflict management strategies and concepts.

Key Risks

In conjunction with the client, Risks Contained identified the several situations that may require the security staff to apply some form of control and restraint measure on an individual during the course of operations.

• Aggressive and violent passengers, crew members and contractors whose actions are a result of excessive alcohol consumption and/or the illegal use of a controlled substance.
• Aggressive and violent incidents that arise from passenger or crew disputes and altercations.
• Aggressive and violent incidents that occur from individuals forcing their way onto the vessel and past security check points.
• Violent incidents resulting from the apprehension and subsequent detention of stowaways or unknown individuals.
• Apprehension and detention of individuals perpetrating or having perpetrated criminal actions onboard the vessel.
• Violent incidents resulting from the apprehension and detention of those perpetrating possible acts of terrorism onboard or adjacent to the vessel

Examples of incidents

• A passenger involved in a domestic dispute and physically assaulting his partner refused to co-operate with security staff and continued to be physically aggressive. Despite extensive negotiation the subject had to physically restrained, handcuffed and placed in detention until they calmed down. Subsequently removed from the cruise.
• Drunk and aggressive contractor; subject was restrained and handcuffed whilst fighting with security as he was remove to his cabin.
• Drunken crew member who had lost his ID card tried to force his way passed security to board the ship was apprehended and detained until he could provide proof of his identity. During the detention he became aggressive with security and repeatedly tried to force his way onboard. Security had to restrain the subject until he calmed down.
• A stowaway was discovered on the vessel and had to be restrained until removal from the vessel by local port authorities.

Risks Contained Solution

Working with the client we designed and developed a specialist training package that considered all the potential risks faced by security staff and balanced these with client profile and safety factors of using specific types of techniques at sea. Medical consideration was a major factor in the design and development process.

The training design included the following elements;

• Dynamic Conflict Management, incorporating threat assessment and risk identification
• Legislation relevant to the use of force and pertinent to operational locations
• Concepts relating to use of force justification
• Report writing skills
• Personal management skills incorporating situational awareness strategies
• A range of safe and effective primary control and restraint skills
• A range of safe and effective breakaway skills
• A range of safe and effective handcuff application skills
• Health and safety considerations
• Medical implication considerations regarding use of physical restraint

The training package was presented to the client for approval and subsequently delivered to the fleet by the Risks Contained Specialist Training Team

Benefits to the client

• Provision of a one-stop, tailored training solution
• Training continuity through regular refresher programmes
• Accredited training qualifications
• Expert Witness service
• Increased staff confidence
• Enhanced team co-operation
• Increased customer confidence in client security operations
• Deterrent impact on those seeking results through violence