QinetiQ technology helps tackle maritime security threats

With new security regulations looming, ship operators now have access to a new online tool that provides important information about security threats, such as piracy and terrorism. The ?SeeThreat? risk assessment service, available through the Lloyd’s Register Group’s award-winning ClassDirect Live internet information service, is based on search engine technology originally developed by QinetiQ to meet the security needs of the UK Government.

QinetiQ has teamed up with the Lloyd’s Register Group to launch ?SeeThreat? so that ship operators and their company security officers (CSOs) can assess security threats to their ships in a timely and cost-effective manner. As the service operates in real-time critical decision making can be conducted quickly and an appropriate course of action rapidly implemented.

The launch of ?SeeThreat? comes as operators are preparing for the introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code on 1 July this year (2004). The Code requires CSOs to use their security assessments and ?other information? as the basis for advising their ships about the threat levels they may encounter, such as terrorism, piracy, labour disputes and civil unrest.

Neil Fisher, QinetiQ’s director of security solutions, said: “The launch of ?SeeThreat? comes at a crucial time for the shipping industry. Pressure is already being applied by the IMO for operators to demonstrate compliance with the ISPS Code but currently only 3% of ships are certified. ?SeeThreat? will help security officers in the essential task of providing critical information to their ships as required by the Code.

?SeeThreat? constantly monitors global news sources and identifies maritime security news information for locations and threats specified by the operator to meet its own needs and the relevant ISPS Code threat levels. Rising threats are presented graphically at chosen locations and threat levels are displayed by amber/yellow and red warning icons.