CONDOR IMS - Authorisation for the guarding of seagoing vessels

Since the end of December 2021, CONDOR International and Maritime Services (CONDOR IMS GmbH) has once again been approved by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) for the guarding of seagoing vessels. This makes the Essen-based company one of the few German pioneers to have successfully completed the procedure for defence against external threats on seagoing vessels.

Since December 2013, private security companies wishing to offer armed services for the purpose of pirate defence on German-flagged seagoing vessels have required a BAFA licence, regardless of where they are based. This is done in consultation with the Federal Police (BPOL), which primarily examines the specific procedures and maritime requirements. Similarly, German security companies must also apply for authorisation if they wish to offer security services on ships sailing under other flags in international waters. "The provisions of Section 31 of the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act impose special requirements on the operational organisation, which once again go well beyond ISO 9001 certification. Our company, the procedures and the professional and personal suitability and reliability of the management and the persons entrusted with armed maritime operations are subject to authorisation procedures that meet the operational requirements.

The BAFA checks the fulfilment of these requirements in consultation with the Federal Police at its own discretion. The examination is company-related, i.e. BAFA and the Federal Police examine the operational organisation and procedures in the company as well as the requirements for the senior employee appointed as the responsible person.