The training consists of theory and practice, but I can see that
in spite of the first day of practical classes, the trainees are
doing pretty well... How is that possible if the rest were in class?
It is what makes us stand out of other companies which, as far
as I know, sometimes teach how to set up pontoons, rafts, or put
out fires through instruction films or power point presentations,
with no practice at all. Life is not a film or a thriller novel. As far
as possible, we verify in practice all our theoretical classes. We
opt for maximum real-life situations and teaching practical skills.
For example, the trainees are wear helmets and vests. But
that’s not normally how we would see ship security staff?
Let’s not forget it’s training. During all training at the E.S.A., the
safety of our trainees is one of our priorities. Our trainees perform
a lot of elements of the training for the first time in their lives
under stress and exhausted (note: the interview took place when
the training had already started a few days earlier). We also
should not forget that we are on water, so it’s easy to get injured
or to have an accident.
That’s clear. How do you prevent such situations from
happening?
The trainees are equipped with goggles, helmets, safety vests,
patches, and we keep a paramedic and scuba-divers in reserve.
So, now you’ll tell me that because of that you practice with ASG?
(laughter). We are aware that such trainings are not that rare, but
we opt for maximum reality. That’s why we use real arms with
FX colouring ammo. We do not use ASG replicas, because their
weight and the way they work diverge from the originals. And
the shooting training is performed with live ammunition.
Some companies providing MARSEC training boast a huge
number of certificates. What is it that truly makes a valuable
training program?
There are a number of institutions, associations and unions which,
for a suitable amount of money can issue quality certificates or
grant training accreditation. We get quality certificates from every
trainee, as it is them and the level of their training that is the best
proof of our professionalism and of quality of the training run by
the E.S.A. What is important in this trade is practice and constant
training of skills, and if the trainees will prove their worth at work...
I can see that the interest in Maritime Security is high?
We have more candidates than we can take! For the July training,
out of sixty candidates we have accepted twenty. The groups
should consist of no more than twenty people, because we
want to devote each trainee the maximum amount of time and
attention, which translates into the quality of the training.
TRAINING: MARITIME SECURITY
You are training people for the position of a Ship Security
Officer. I’ve heard that such a person has very specific duties?
I agree that the term “SSO” refers to the competence of a member
or members of crew, which the security staff does not necessarily
need to belong to. Whereas people well-oriented in the trade will
know that Ship Security Officer or Maritime Security Operative, or
Ship Security Operative all mean the same, a person whose work
is to provide security to the crew and cargo of the ship against
pirates. And the rest is just a matter of nomenclature. Let’s leave
that to academics compiling these.
Are your proposed courses equally popular?
We are already full for the April training. It is of some importance
that the trainees and trainers, recruited from all-over the world,
make invaluable contacts for prospective job-searches in security,
and that being not only ships. It also proves the reputation and
professionalism of the European Security Academy.
For more information on the European Security
Academy, their courses, and to contact them please
visit www.euseca.com
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