LRQA Greece approves first private maritime security company - Diaplous Maritime Services - to ISO/PAS 28007
(PRWEB UK) 19 December 2013 -- LRQA Greece announces that it has certified its first Greek private maritime security services client, Diaplous Maritime Services – to the maritime security management system standard, ISO/PAS 28007.
Announcing the news, LRQA Greece Business Centre Manager, John Kalafatis commented: "Certification to the ISO/PAS 28007 standard clearly shows that Diaplous Maritime Services has made a commitment to customer service, quality, safety and risk management processes. They are the first private maritime security company (PMSC) in the Greek and Cypriot Market to be approved according to this demanding certification”.
ISO/PAS 28007, as part of the ISO 28000 family of security standards, gives established guidelines to PMSCs that supply privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) on board ships. Certification to these standards demonstrates to the international community that they, and their operatives, can legally, safely and effectively guard shipping.
Commenting on their certification from LRQA, Antonis Papaioannou from Diaplous Maritime Services said, “as a leading provider of private security services, we are delighted to be the only Greek company among a small group of prestigious PMSC`s to have been certified by LRQA with the new ISO/PAS 28007, thereby enabling us to offer even more reliable services to the shipping industry.”
LRQA is one of three certification bodies participating in the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) pilot scheme. UKAS has been appointed to assess certification companies offering assessment to ISO/PAS 28007, verifying that it uses competent assessors with the correct qualifications and that rigorous, tested auditing process are being followed. This is key in ensuring the confidence of the shipping market. It is expected that the accreditation process will be completed by the end of the year.
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Further information about LRQA’s ISO/PAS 28007 services is available at http://www.lrqa.gr (LRQA Ελλάδα - ISO/PAS 28007) or contact piraeus-qa-services (at) lr (dot) org.
About LRQA
LRQA is a subsidiary of Lloyd's Register Group Ltd. We are a leading independent provider of Business Assurance services including assessment, certification, validation, verification and training.
About LR
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global engineering, technical and business services organisation wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a UK charity dedicated to research and education in science and engineering. Founded in 1760 as a marine classification society, LR now operates across many industry sectors, with over 9000 employees in 78 countries.
LR has a long-standing reputation for integrity, impartiality and technical excellence. Our compliance, risk and technical consultancy services give clients confidence that their assets and businesses are safe, sustainable and dependable. Through our Global Technology Centres and research network, LR is at the forefront of understanding the application of new science and technology to future-proof our clients’ businesses.
About ISO/PAS28007
The increased threat to commercial shipping by piracy has led to extensive use of Private Maritime Security Companies that supply Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) to provide security on board vessels transiting the high risk areas. ISO/PAS 28007 has been developed in response to the need of standardisation of this service. It is a pragmatic solution from the shipping industry, IMO and ISO.
lSO 28007 certification 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.
ISO 28007 certification of PMSCs will save time, effort and resources for shipping companies, as a standard which they can trust instead of needing to embark on their own lengthy vetting processes. Also it will provide reassurance that expectations by interested parties such as ICS, BIMCO, Oil Majors, Charterers, Flags etc. will be fulfilled.
Philippa Weare, Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, http://www.lrqa.com, +44 2476882386, [email protected]
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