Frag Out! Magazine

THE FIRST CONTRACT After having finished a MARSEC operative course there is a one month period of awaiting for a set of documents, in particular for a Seaman's Book which procedure of issuing is very similar to the issuing of the passport. Usually, if we only meet the requirements and we match this job according to the employer (who is present at the Maritime Security Operative training), we may expect a proposal of the contract. In some cases an obligation to sign a contract is declared already after finishing a course, after a final qualification. Then there is still a great deal of work ahead. For instance – for a spring course organised by Paladin Tac and Tactical Risk Group come not only representatives of the Israeli companies, but also new partners which represent the British companies. The terms of the contract may vary significantly. The "Mediterranean" security companies offer, e.g. a maximum wage of $1500 per month and no paid leave throughout a half a year contract. In turn, the British companies promise much higher pay check of $2500–$3000 during the initial period. The higher rate is although an indemnification for a necessity to undergo more expensive and prestigious certification procedures such as, e.g. "City & Guilds" (a 3-day training according to the C&G standard which unifies the Maritime Security in the British market, consisting of several exams). In order to undertake work, it is necessary to complete the above mentioned STCW'95 module (so called 4 in 1), optionally two certificates referred to the issues related to "Maritime Security", the ENG1 medical certificate, the MSO certificate (or SSO), the TCCC tactical medical training certificate (it is the best if it is conducted by an instructor certified abroad by the renowned company), as well as the Firearms Competency Certificate (FCC), that is a certificate which confirms firearms operating skills and undergoing a training according to the training syllabus approved by the British, which needs to be renewed every year. The issue related to the firearms training will be described in one of the further articles, let's limit now to the brief explanation that the FCC course must contain an extended theoretical part on the ballistics basics, weapon safety and maintaining and teaches a practical skill of using the firearms which is the most common during a contract, that is FN FAL (L1A1), AR-15 (M-4), Kalashnikov, Browning BAR, and even bolt-action rifles. It is worth to notice that not every company offers the approved training standard despite that it boasts of the huge experience and professionalism. So, it is worth to verify how many people from those who graduated the concerned course go for a cruise and may count for a contract. www.fragoutmag.com

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