Our Services

Armed Security Teams

Our Armed Security Teams

Open Ocean Services offers embarked Armed Security Teams (AST) services to cater to a range of sectors, including the merchant marine, cruise, offshore, and super yacht industries, tailoring security solutions to meet the specific needs and challenges of each sector

By offering a broad range of services across different maritime sectors and geographic regions, Open Ocean Services demonstrates a commitment to enhancing maritime security and safeguarding valuable assets and lives at sea.

Our Armed Security Teams (AST) Critical Role:

Armed Security Teams bring added confidence to the Master and Crew, allowing them to focus on their daily operations while ensuring a robust and immediate response to security incidents is present and in place.

Deterrence and Prevention.
Risk Assessment and Planning.
Armed Security Measures and Response.
Situational Awareness.
Response and Crisis Management
Collaboration and Interaction with Authorities.
Crew Training and Awareness.
Legal and Ethical Compliance.
Reporting and Documentation.
Medical Support.
Enhancement to the Ships Security Plan.

Open Ocean Services Armed Security Teams bring

Expertise

All of our armed security teams, comprised of former European military personnel, which are selected through a stringent recruitment and screening process.

Regardless of nationality or background, our Maritime Security Operators are vetted and trained to the highest industry standards and have 24-hour support from our operations department which is manned by some of the most experienced Maritime Security Operators who have now developed into the operational management professionals after many years of counter piracy experience on the decks.

This allows experienced managers understand the situation and incident support that needs to be delivered to both the deployed Armed Security Team, Ships Master and client.

All personnel hold the following documents and certifications

Our personnel have infinite experience in commercial vessel operations, particularly in high-risk areas which brings unmatched knowledge and expertise in ensuring vessel security and crew safety.

All our personnel have completed our intense induction training which consists of Rules for the Use of Force, Escalation of Force, Safety Management Systems on Ships, Firearms Competency and Safety Standards, Trauma First Aid, Human Rights and internal Policies and Procedures.

All non-native English speaking, MSOs are assessed on their comprehension of English using the Seafarers Marlin’s test with a higher level of completion.

Minimum of 3 years Armed Military / Police / Border Guard Service.
Valid Passport.
Seaman’s Book.
Maritime Security Officer (MSO) Qualification.
Maritime Firearms Competency Certificate.
Trauma First Aid Training Qualification.
STCW10 (formerly STCW95) – all 4 modules.
STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties.
Clear Mental Health Letter from GP.
ENG1 Medical Certificate.
Clear Criminal Record Check.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Card.