maritime asset protection

Ironside Associates is the market-leading specialist in the luxury yacht sector. Additionally, it provides maritime security for commercial shipping.

As an Associate Member of the Association of Yacht Support Services (AYSS), Ironside Associates forms part of an international network of companies who collectively supply every conceivable product and service to the superyacht world. Complex superyacht management relies heavily on expert security advice as well as the provision of hands-on manpower when circumstances dictate. Owners and Captains depend on these services when sailing through hostile areas such as the Gulf of Aden, considered by the International Maritime Organisation as a high-threat environment.

With crimes of piracy on the increase, the need to minimise the risk of vessels coming under attack is paramount. Ironside Associates’ clients can hire anything from a single protection officer for peace of mind to a team of former Marines to guide vessels through dangerous waters. However, the company does not support the use of acoustic devices as a standalone deterrent.

Ben Marshall, captain of the superyacht Red Dragon, believes "being prepared, and being able to show you are prepared, will often be enough to prevent an incident… it is really important to have people on board the yacht who aren’t macho about security, who are very low-key and know what they are doing. All Ironside’s men are ex-Royal Marines and they can sail, so they are handy on the boat as well." Boat International June 2008.

Former Special Boat Service consultants engaged by Ironside Associates can be deployed at short notice anywhere, worldwide, to provide maritime security. In addition to providing 24-hour protection, they utilise their sailing skills to the full by seamlessly integrating with crews to ensure the smooth operation of a vessel.

Low-key, dependable, and highly effective, all maritime consultants have detailed understanding of IMO (International Maritime Organisation) legal requirements and ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) compliance and rules of engagement when operating with arms and ammunition.

Maritime asset protection services include:

anti-piracy protection
on-shore close protection
SSO (Ships' Security Officer) provision
Passerelle security in dock
crew self-defence training
specialist equipment procurement
design security consultancy
ISPS and regulatory compliance
24/7 office support
intelligence assessments
asset recovery
crisis management
port threat analysis

[Maritime Security PDF]