West Africa
PVI Risk Management is fully operational to support client operations in key West African locations like Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe, and Gabon.
With a regional 24/7 operations hub PVI Risk Management is dedicated to real time coordination and in-country managers, PVI Risk Management is dedicated to keeping crew and cargo safe.
Through our partnership with Nigerian-based Maritime Experts, who are Nigerian Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) holders and regulated maritime security providers enables our clients to benefit from the added assurance of a fully compliant, complete supply chain solution for transits in the Gulf of Guinea.
Why Is Maritime Security Compliance With Local Jurisdictions So Important?
Stories shared among crew across West Africa invariably detail the rumors of vessel and crew arrests by authorities who discover the use of a non-compliant security solution. Advice on what is legal varies greatly, as does pricing and contractual obligations. Similar to the situation faced in the Indian Ocean with the rise of Somali pirates 10 years ago when there were little to no regulations, the industry is filled with companies making up their own rules. Worse still, many of these companies do not understand the ratified legal implications of operating in waters off West Africa without an MOU. Although prices may be low initially, shipowners can expect spiraling supply chain costs as these companies will be unable to provide complete, legally compliant supply chain risk mitigation solutions for transits in the region.
What are the repercussions for companies who select maritime security and supply chain operators who do not have a MOU with the correct national governments?
The penalties for non-compliance include forfeiture of any article or property seized by NIMASA and, upon conviction, the offender will be liable to pay a fine of one million Naira (around US$ 2,600) or may be imprisoned for no more than twelve months, or both.
Most recently, the MT San Padre Pio was caught transferring gas oil into another ship on Nigerian waters in the middle of the night without permission from the relevant authorities. The vessel and her crew were released in July 2021 following 3 years in custody after being detained by the Nigerian authorities.
Protect your people, vessels, cargo and reputation by enlisting PVI Risk Management and Southgate’s supply chain solutions for your West Africa transits.
What Are the Risks to Vessels Transiting the Gulf of Guinea?
As pirates have become better financed and more sophisticated their attacks have moved across boundaries to become more frequent throughout all areas of the Gulf of Guinea in numerous jurisdictions. Most security providers trade in the Nigerian EEZ but pirates are focusing deeper offshore and in other EEZs, making any vessel vulnerable. The focus of the pirates is kidnapping crew, no matter the vessel type.
PVI Risk Management ensures safe maritime operations with expert security, risk management, and training. Trusted worldwide, we uphold the highest industry standards for protection at sea.
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