Jakarta: Following a 26-year career with the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Scott Bernat joined the American firm G2-Ops as director of maritime solutions. This year Bernat has been spending much time in Indonesia establishing a joint venture that could be the first of many significant roll outs in the Asia Pacific region for G2-Ops.
G2 Ops has joined forces with Consolidated Services International (CSI) and its local affiliate PT Interteknis Suryaterang, based in Jakarta, to offer physical and technical port, maritime and oil and gas industry-specific safety and security solutions for Indonesia. As well as security offerings, Bernat’s team also provide fraud and loss prevention guidance.
Numerous security consultancies currently operate from within Indonesia, the most viable of which by international standards are directed by Australia, UK or US personnel.
“Many of these security consultancies are not port and maritime specific,” Bernat says, “and as such lack the global subject matter expertise and international commercial contacts necessary to fully realize success in this arena.”
Rich in natural and man-made resources, Indonesia’s fast growing economy is dependent on its port and maritime industry to advance economic interests and attract international business, especially relative to commodities trade and the energy sector. In addition, the cruiseline industry continues to expand activities in the region.
“The safety, security and operational integrity of the ports and associated maritime infrastructure remains paramount to achieving success,” argues Bernat. “Destination countries require assurance that personnel, maritime assets and associated cargo have been covered by and subjected to the highest safety, security and loss prevention standards. If these issues are not properly addressed, affected industries could suffer loss of life, irreparable damage to their public image, and ultimately loss of investor confidence and revenue.”
Bernat says there are many ports in across the Pacific Rim that are struggling to maintain basic compliance associated with the International Maritime Organisation’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. He notes that the government of Indonesia is also working towards establishing international standard security program requirements for the oil and gas concessions operating within the country and its territorial waters.
“Based on these factors and associated requirements, the time is right,” he says, “to establish a professional international standard maritime solutions provider within the country.”
If it goes as planned the Indonesian venture will be the first of many across Asia Pacific. [01/07/13]
