AdvanFort, a US-based private maritime security company announced today that in an effort to maintain the highest operational standards from its guards, they are now utilizing global risk consultancy Associated Risks Group (ARG) to train British guards in its Maritime Firearms Competency courses.
“Training is a top priority for us at AdvanFort,” said company President William H. Watson, “following a full evaluation of ARG’s training programs, including the Maritime Firearms Competency Course, we are very pleased to report that ARG has reached an agreement to become one of AdvanFort’s preferred external training providers.”
“As the majority of our international guard force comes from Great Britain, ARG is the perfect choice,” Watson continued.
These enhanced training sessions being utilized by AdvanFort come at a time when the British government, as well as flag States, are implementing more rigorous guidelines for PMSCs. Watson noted that as of August 1st, the U.K. requires that newly-discharged British military personnel take a firearms course before receiving their Maritime Firearms Competency Certificates.
However, AdvanFort is not stopping there. Because of the quantity of arms the company stores aboard its Operator Support Vessels (OSVs) and in strategic ports around the world, AdvanFort will also provide in-service firearms training to its guards aboard company-operated vessels.
“When preparing guards to work aboard client commercial vessels, there is no substitute for practice aboard a pitching deck. The firearms certificate needs to be renewed annually by an external training company in order to retain its state of compliance with both British regulations and client requirements,” added Watson.
In addition to securing the services of ARG, AdvanFort is also working with training facilities in the European Union and in the United States to provide training to its NATO-veteran and North American guards.
AdvanFort’s senior staff in its UK office personally reviewed ARG’s training center and reported that they are highly impressed with ARG, its facilities, and instructors, and they said they recommend them to all those in the maritime security industry.
ARG provides close protection security services to high net worth individuals, as well as firearms training to military, police, and security consultants in the UK. Additionally, they soon plan to offer retail security services, commercial security services, and search dog services.
Watch AdvanFort’s firearms training session at ARG on AdvanFort’s Youtube channel.