Although the ransom insurance is placed with certain Syndicates in the Lloyd’s market, Griffin-Underwriting uses Hart Security for the incident response and consulting services for clients.  As we discuss in many parts of the International Executive Security Monitor, a KnR program is only as good as the security expert that will be there “on the ground” in the event of an incident.  A $10,000,000 ransom benefit is essentially worthless without the proper consultant involved in the negotiation.

On arrival the HART Security Consultant will assist the family or business group and advise them on the most likely way in which the process of recovery will take place and how best to organize themselves. This activity takes place within the Crisis Management Team (CMT) that HART Security will help to establish.  The HART Security role is to support and advise the decision makers within the CMT, to allow them to follow a clear strategy and to avoid common mistakes in the negotiations. Their advice will always be in support of the objective – the safe return of the victim as quickly as possible.

Griffin has particular expertise in Maritime and Marine Kidnap and Ransom insurance and incident response and they provide a very informative PDF brochure on their maritime kidnap and ransom insurance as well as the tactics of Somali and other pirates and the maritime security measures that should be taken by each crew.  For example:

1. Liaising with naval vessels in high risk areas (letting them know you are there)
2. Having high pressure water hoses ready to go.  Many pirates in the past have been deterred with high pressure water believe it or not.
3. Fitting razor wire to the ship’s sides.  (pirate ships can be 30 to 50 feet below the deck)
4. Ensuring radio discipline so pirates cannot obtain information by monitoring channels
5. More is provided by contacting Griffin-Underwriting at info@griffin-underwriting.com   (or please contact McKinley International Risk Management to liaison with Griffin from North America)