VESSEL SUPPORT

In regions where we are permitted to deploy our own personnel and firearms, we use Ambrey guards—highly trained and fully vetted in-house. In all other areas, we deploy Local Naval Armed Guards in accordance with local regulations.

Ambrey guards undergo rigorous training at our dedicated facilities in Poland, India, and Sri Lanka. Each guard earns an MSO (Maritime Security Operative) certificate, specifically developed to meet the requirements of ISO 28007, the Maritime Security Standard. To ensure ongoing readiness, all qualified personnel receive regular refresher training that includes the latest regulatory updates and threat assessments.

We also understand that clients, flag states, or charterers may have specific requirements regarding the composition of security teams. We are committed to working closely with you to ensure the deployed team fully meets your operational and compliance needs.

In parts of West Africa—particularly Nigeria—armed maritime security must be provided exclusively by Local Navy Armed Guards (LNAGs). However, these guards are only permitted to operate on commercial vessels in select countries. In Nigeria specifically, armed security can only be delivered via Nigerian Navy-approved Security Escort Vessels (SEVs), as LNAGs are not allowed to embark directly onto client vessels. In contrast, countries such as Togo and Ghana permit the direct embarkation of LNAGs, provided it aligns with the vessel’s flag state regulations.

To ensure operational readiness and compliance, we personally conduct sea trials on every SEV prior to deployment. This includes a thorough inspection, during which we verify that the vessel is well maintained, capable of matching the speed of the client vessel, equipped with reliable communication systems, and crewed by competent personnel. All SEVs used in our operations are officially registered and approved by the Nigerian Navy.

Each escort mission is coordinated by our in-country Operations Manager, who manages the full process—from bunkering and crew preparation to the embarkation and deployment of LNAGs. Every SEV is tracked in real time through our proprietary tracking platform, ensuring full visibility throughout the operation. We also place an Ambrey-trained Maritime Security Liaison Officer (MSLO) on board each escort vessel. The MSLO acts as the critical link between our operations team, the client vessel, and host nation forces, facilitating clear communication and effective command and control. This structured approach ensures a reliable, compliant, and efficient delivery of our SEV services.

We are the only UK-licensed and ISO-certified Vessel Based Armoury (VBA) operator in the world. We own, manage and operate our own VBA Fleet that enables the provision of MSOs to PMSCs and the seamless delivery of armed guard services across the Indian Ocean.

By owning our vessels, we maintain full control over our supply chain, including personnel, equipment, and operational standards. This ensures reliable, high-quality service without the delays typically associated with outsourcing.

Our VBAs are licensed by the UK Government to function as vessel based armouries. Flagged in Djibouti, they also operate under additional oversight from the Djibouti Government, ensuring strict compliance with all regulations concerning the movement of weapons.

We work with a large variety of flag states on a daily basis.

We maintain a Flag Register to ensure compliance with the requirements of each flag state and any change in regulation that may occur.

We are pre-approved by the following Flag States; Panama, Cyprus, Croatia, UK, South Korea, Greece and Liberia.

All services are contracted via BIMCO GUARDON and approved by all major P&I Clubs. Where we provide armed security services using Local Navy Armed Guards, they are also covered by our insurances and are contracted using BIMCO’s Guardcon, as per BIMCO’s advice to owners on the use of Local Navy Armed Guards.

Our transfer vessels are insured in the London market. We’ve also completed due diligence questionnaires for several underwriters, including Hiscox, Catlin, Aspen and Travelers.

ISO 9001: 2015 (QUALITY MANAGEMENT)

This certification demonstrates our ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. through a series of high-quality and efficient core business processes for our staff, clients, external partners and stakeholders.

OHSAS 45001: 2018 (OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT)

Complying with this standard shows that we’re committed to protecting our staff and all those we work with by monitoring relevant Health and Safety issues across all areas of our operations and making sure that appropriate and up-to-date procedures are in place.

ISO 14001: 2015 (ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT)

This certification demonstrates our commitment to looking after the world we live in by developing a system to measure and improve environmental impact.

The very nature of our work is hazardous and unpredictable, yet we still believe that the majority of accidents and illnesses are preventable.

We understand the requirements for HSE in the commercial maritime environment and recognise that our people are potentially exposed to risk not only at sites belonging to Ambrey but within environments controlled by our stakeholders, clients and suppliers. Ambrey’s expertise within this sector has allowed us to develop robust Health, Safety and Environment policies that cover all aspects of our business.

Ambrey are committed to a range of preventative measures to protect our teams and those we work with from serious injuries. We employ a team of doctors who provide a Telemed service offering immediate medical advice in the event of an injury or illness. As part of their induction training, all our guards receive in depth guidance on Ambrey HSE policies and procedures, covering both individual and collective responsibilities to HSE.