HRA & Security Guards

We understand the critical importance of security when transiting High Risk Areas or Voluntary Reporting Areas. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in preparing and applying for the approval of Counter Piracy Plans of the Portuguese Authorities when deploying armed guards onboard your Portuguese flagged vessels to enhance the security of your vessel, crew and cargo.

Our team will work closely with you to ensure that your Counter Piracy Plan complies with the applicable regulations while providing effective security measures. We will guide you through the entire process, including document preparation and liaising with relevant authorities for plan approval in due course.

The framework for deployment onboard Portuguese flagged vessels is regulated by Decree Law 159/2019 and Portuguese Maritime Administration (DGRM) Circular 64 Rev.02 on the "Exercise of armed private security activity on board ships flying the Portuguese flag and crossing high risk of piracy areas”, allowing the deployment of PCASP onboard in the defined HRA’s of Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.

For a full overview, see Flag Circular 64 (Rev.02) (available on our Downloads section). Please note that there is specific documentation required for the application process and approval of counter piracy-plans by Portuguese Competent Authorities (to be prepared by the ISM Company and by the PMSC).

Counter Piracy Plans may be approved by the authorities for a maximum period of one year, either for single voyages or multiple voyages for similar routes (i.e Red Sea/ GoA area), using the services of same PMSC and notifying/updating with the new voyage details. Most of the PMSC are already familiar with the proceedings (i.e Ambrey, Seagull MAritime, Diaplous, ESC, Secure a Ship, United Guards Services, PVI, MAST, LSS-SAPU, Neptune Maritime Security, Black Pearl…).

The timeframe given for approval of a Counter Piracy Plan by the decree law 159/2019 is 10 working days which can be reduced to 2 working days for urgent approval.

Please contact us at hra@eu-registry.com for further assistance.