Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel
Abbreviation: PCASP
Armed maritime security teams embarked on merchant vessels in high-risk waters under the IMO BMP framework.
In practice
Embarked at agreed boarding port; team is briefed by master on rules of engagement and SMS. Disembark at the designated drop-off point.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel — armed maritime security teams embarked on merchant vessels in high-risk waters under the IMO BMP framework. IMO Resolutions and the Interim Guidance MSC.1/Circ.1405 cover the use of PCASP, providing recommendations on selection of security companies, weapons handling, rules of engagement, and master/team interface. Many flag states have national legislation governing PCASP use (e.g. UK MGN 528). Insurance and P&I cover for PCASP-protected voyages is widely available. The PCASP regime contributed substantially to the decline in successful Indian Ocean piracy after 2012.
Authoritative source: IMO Resolutions Index ↗
Related
Source: MSC.1/Circ.1405; IMO interim guidance
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.