First impressions are everything!
The image of a brand begins with the smallest details.
The presence of security professionals on cruise ships signals that the Tour Operator has easily recognizable and reliable staff at all times, reflecting their commitment to guest safety.
But does this mean that providing the appearance and sensation of safety is often more critical than actually offering physical security?
NO. But, realistically, most security guards within Europe primarily serve to deter vandalism, prevent minor violence, and minimize damage. In short, they maintain peace. They are mostly unarmed due strict laws about the weapon carry licenses, and have a limited tools for stopping a determined criminal.
That’s also, why tourists are often seen as easy and unsuspecting targets for criminals. Nevertheless, people hope that security personnel will assist and come to their rescue in the event of a calamity.
So, in the tourism industry, leaders and managers should carefully consider the employment of security personnel that are well-trained in the prevention, when we talk about unarmed security personnel.
It’s important to remember that preventing crime is not solely the responsibility of government and police organizations.
Passengers frequently worry about robbery, criminal behavior, and violence, as well as the possibility of illegal boarding. While fears of robbery and violence are valid for people in unfamiliar environments, it’s very rare for someone to attempt to board a ship if they don’t belong there.
Despite these incidents being extremely rare, some guests do not feel comfortable or safe without a security guard on board.
Having a security guard or someone consistently patrolling the entrance of a cruise ship usually makes guests feel much safer. The sight of a well-dressed, friendly, and highly attentive security professional is often enough to reassure most guests. It signifies that they have an easily identifiable and trustworthy staff member on board at all times, emphasizing the cruise line’s concern for their safety.
Major companies use automated security systems allowing ship officers to monitor who is on the ship at any given moment with the press of a button or a card scan.
Other cruise lines are taking preventative measures, such as access control, crowd management, and on-foot patrols by security guards from private security firms, to prevent robbery, vandalism, and violence. Every cruise line needs some form of security system to protect its services and enhance its brand. Fortunately, security needs can be customized for each vessel, especially when managed by a security service with experience on large superyachts, like ours.
Why aren’t tourist attractions included?
This is a tough topic. Maybe you’re located in a low-profile part of the tourism sector. While an over-reaction to security would give criminal activities an unnecessary role in an already over-anxious life, we should also remember that stopping criminal activities is never just the responsibility of the government and policing organizations. Every individual, especially security guards, have a responsibility to protect the well-being of the people around them. This concept pertains to tourist attractions specifically because tourists are generally seen as easy and unsuspecting targets for criminals.
Passengers are often afraid of robbery, criminal behaviors, and violence, as well as the possibility of illegal boarding. While robberies and violence are always reasonable fears for individuals in new environments, it is very rare for someone to try to enter a ship if they do not belong there.
Despite these cases being extremely rare, some guests do not feel comfortable or safe without a security guard on board. Pirating and hijacking stories in the media combined tend to give passengers a false perception of how dangerous cruises are, so it is up to the cruise line to pacify that fear.
Having a security guard or someone who can consistently patrol the entrance of a cruise ship, usually makes guests feel much safer. The sight of a security professional who is well dressed, friendly, and highly attentive to their job is often enough to calm most guests. It shows them that they have an easily identifiable and trustworthy staff on board at all times, and it reflects that the cruise they are taking cares about their safety.
Major companies have automated security systems that enable ship officers to see who is on the ship at any given moment, by merely pressing a button or scanning a card. Other cruise lines are implementing preventative steps such as access control, crowd management, and patrol on foot by security guards contracted from private security companies to prevent episodes of robbery, vandalism, and violence from occurring. Every single cruise line needs to have some form of security system in order to protect their services and benefit their brand. Luckily, security needs can be tailored to each vessel, especially when they are managed by a security service with experience on large superyachts.
Security protocols vary across cruise lines and ships. Some rely on their Ship Security Officers – First Officers to implement and oversee their security, while others employ private security firms or former law enforcement officers.
Our personnel focus on monitoring risk potential and collaborating with the ship’s crew to ensure that all required safety protocols are in place. This unified approach to security is crucial for deploying emergency services immediately when needed. Our team is vigilant about potential security incidents, smuggling threats, illegal imports, port security activities, and more. They are trained to detect and address unauthorized passengers in restricted areas, unexpected faces in crew areas, guests in off-limits locations, or unattended bags.
While we specialize in security services for river cruise ships, we also provide security for yachts at sea. These vessels, exuding wealth and luxury, are potential targets for serious criminal activities. Our professionals are trained to understand and respond effectively to these risks in any context, ensuring security for sea parties of any size.
Therefore, all our security professionals are trained Ship Security Officers and Port Facility Security Officers with a comprehensive understanding of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. The (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) Course, mandatory for all our security professionals before boarding any ship, is fully approved by the UK Department for Transport (DfT), Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), and certified under our Strategic Partner, a fully MCA Approved Course Provider.
What is crowd control management?
Cruise ships are places where large groups of people gather, potentially leading to unwanted problems and difficult situations. To address this, the concept of crowd control management has become an essential part of effectively managing risks and emergencies on cruise ships.
Crowd control management is a specialized training program that all our security professionals undergo upon joining our team. Ensuring crowd safety involves more than just trying to control the crowd; it requires the use of effective communication and the implementation of exemplary leadership skills to manage the crowd. These skills are critical for resolving difficult situations and simultaneously calming individuals’ worries.
Key aspects of the program include:
In terms of leadership on cruise ships, the Y theory (democratic leadership) is preferred over the X theory (autocratic leadership). All personnel on board, as well as port state staff, are assigned security duties tailored to their roles. This cross-communication ensures that everyone’s needs are addressed, creating a comfortable cruise experience for all passengers.
However, it’s important to note that we are not part of the ship’s crew; we are security consultants and provide assistance to the captain if necessary. Our primary focus is on the safety of our clients—your passengers.
General Duties and Responsibilities for Providing Security on Cruise Ships:
Ensuring a thorough security briefing and introduction to safety rules for the client—a travel agency, as well as all co-organizers of the travel, such as tour guides, event planners, and coordinating with bus drivers, local security, medical, and evacuation teams. Coordination with the tour operator, ship’s crew, and captain is a critical factor.
Coordinating all parties and implementing rules according to your security procedures (and explaining them if necessary) is the baseline for providing safety.
With meticulous preparation, including Risk Assessment and Operational Planning, taking responsibility and control over almost every aspect is the key to success. However, not many security providers are willing to take this level of responsibility due to the risk of someone outside their team making a mistake under their supervision—a common concern that leads many to only perform the tasks they are paid for, often playing it safe.
Most cruise ships adhere to extremely stringent security protocols and practices. Despite criminals being well aware of the substantial amounts of money tourists typically carry, cruise ships have remained secure against robberies and criminal behavior.
Let’s examine some of the fundamental aspects of cruise ship security:
Big Brother is watching
Are you aware that ships are under constant surveillance by cameras? Visual surveillance covers practically every part of the ship, allowing security personnel, officers, staff, and crew to monitor. Cameras are installed at passenger entry and exit points, including crew areas, and in all locations where they can observe or detect movement—corridors, public rooms, restricted areas for passengers, machinery spaces, and common deck areas like the promenade and pool. This enables security teams to identify and address issues as they arise or even before they escalate. Additionally, camera footage can be reviewed as a learning tool, facilitating ongoing improvements to security measures.
Port Security
Europe is particularly vigilant regarding port security. In some countries, operators must adhere to specific guidelines and implement certain procedures and equipment. They are also required to ensure the shipowner carries out similar tasks. Enhanced screening processes, identification checks, and a heightened awareness of port security are common practices, especially when arriving from countries recently affected by issues with immigration and illegal boarding. While secure ports serve as robust checkpoints for safety, having a dedicated security team on board ensures continuous protection throughout the journey.
Controlled Access
Controlling and regulating access to cruise ships is straightforward with trained personnel stationed at entry points. Passengers and crew are allowed entry only when the ship is docked, subject to ID and manifest checks by security staff. Furthermore, terminals and docking spaces are restricted, making unauthorized access challenging.
Passengers traveling on river cruise ships occasionally need to traverse other ships to disembark. How are they kept away from the cabins?
Passengers traveling on river cruise ships are occasionally required to go through other ships in order to disembark. Is there anything on board to keep them away from the cabins?
In European ports, such as Amsterdam, river cruise ships often moor closely due to limited docking space. Passengers booked on vessels farthest from the riverbank typically navigate through adjacent ships to reach their own. Consequently, our security professionals are stationed in lobbies and around the ship, ensuring passengers follow the correct path to the shore without inadvertently entering another ship’s hallway. Additionally, we usually request passengers to wear a laminated card with their name at all times, aiding in the quick identification of individuals not belonging to the group.
Are Smaller Ships at a Higher Risk for Illegal Boarding?
As previously discussed, illegal boarding is a relatively rare occurrence. Smaller vessels may be closer to the water, but they are not necessarily at a higher risk, especially with a professional security crew on board.
My Cabin Features a Balcony. How Does the Ship’s Docking Line Keep Passengers from Boarding When Close to Shore or Other Ships?
Depending on the vessel, sensors can be activated on open windows, alerting staff when panoramic French balcony doors are left open. If you travel with another cruise line, you don’t need to worry about someone breaking in because one of our security professionals is always on the spot.
On the Upper Deck, Anything Can Happen. Is It Possible for Intruders to Get Aboard the Ship Through There?
On land, our presence is most crucial for controlling access to the upper decks, although many cruise companies keep the upper decks closed to the public while the ship is docked. A unique feature of our onboard service is the continuous 24/7 patrol of the entire ship in shifts, with check-in locations strategically placed throughout.
Most river cruise companies restrict access to the top deck via passenger key cards while docked; unlike ocean ships, you’ll need to carry it with you to access certain outdoor doors. This method effectively maintains exclusive passenger entry. Some cruise ships also provide passengers with a secret security code that is reset weekly to minimize unauthorized entry.
What About Photo Card Scanners Like Those Seen on Ocean Cruises?
Card scanners are rare, though a few cruise lines employ them. Some lines take photos of passengers upon boarding, so a photo appears each time the person enters and exits the ship. This method facilitates easy identification of passengers and enhances individual security by ensuring passengers are accounted for every time the vessel docks.
How Can I Be Sure That the Staff Are Reliable?
Cruise staff undergo the same identity verification processes as passengers, making it impossible for unauthorized personnel to board vessels and alter procedures. Our security staff members are verified through identification checks and proof of successful security training.
Are There Any External Security Measures in Place on My River Cruise Ship?
Almost all cruise lines employ Access Control Officers – Gateway Officers while their ships are docked. However, we are the only security company in Europe that provides an extra level of security to VIP group passengers. We offer close protection during sightseeing tours. If you are a travel organizer or agency dealing with high-profile individuals, dignitaries, and corporate executives, you should consider adding this type of service to your package.
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What Should I Do If I Notice Something Strange Aboard a River Cruise Ship?
Immediately report anything or anyone suspicious on your ship to the Reception Desk, which is usually staffed 24 hours a day. Some cruise lines even have red emergency contact buttons in cabins.
However, if you have us on board, you don’t need to worry about these concerns. We aim to anticipate and prevent suspicious activity, and when it does occur, our trained security officers will be the first to defuse the situation as effectively and calmly as possible. Your cruise deserves to be worry-free and secure.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions about our services, contact us with confidence at info@xtremesecurity.eu.
