Without embracing private security it would have been seemingly impossible to protect crew and vesselsThe Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) has been named ‘Newsmaker of the Year’ in the Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2012.
Selected by the senior staff of Lloyd’s List editorial team the award was presented to SAMI in recognition of the influence it has exerted over a major aspect of the news agenda. Since its launch in 2011 SAMI has been at the forefront of an extremely high profile problem, that of maritime piracy and has been at the vanguard of driving security solutions to ensure that seafarers and shipping are protected.
From armed guards to guidance, citadels to standards, rules and regulations, SAMI has sought to set a positive agenda for the private maritime security debate. The Association’s input into these controversial issues has translated into headlines, and this award is clear recognition of SAMI’s contribution to global maritime security matters.
The “Newsmaker of the Year” Award is significant and positive because it reflects not just the hard work of the Association and its members but highlights the impact of piracy on the shipping industry and the importance of meeting this with appropriate solutions. SAMI has been at the forefront of developing standards, certification and industry acceptance.
SAMI Founder and Director Peter Cook said: “The award is a proud moment for the Association and the Secretariat team who have all worked so tirelessly to create an industry leading organisation, which helps drive positive change. It also shows the important role that our international member companies have played in tackling the menace of piracy head on”.
Winning this award further highlights the significant role that SAMI is playing, and strengthens the foundation on which the Association is able to work with key industry figures and organisations. The award will assist the Association in its continued efforts to drive the agenda and bridge the gaps between security and shipping.
With almost 180 members internationally, SAMI represents the private maritime security on a global scale. Its membership encompasses not only maritime security providers, but equipment, technology and hardware companies, training and intelligence businesses. Enhancing outreach and awareness of the Association within the shipping industry brings SAMI members closer to commercial shipping, ports and the offshore oil and gas sector too.
As a seafarer focused organisation, Shiptalk has long wrestled with the dilemma of having weapons on ships. However, without embracing private security it would have been seemingly impossible to protect crew and vessels. For that reason we are pleased to see that SAMI has been recognised and rewarded by Lloyd’s List.
This is a prestigious award, and given that SAMI has worked so hard to help shipping to understand security, and vice versa it is fitting that an organisation which promotes such a positive persona and drives an agenda of improvement should be the Newsmaker of the Year.
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