Christopher Townsend Email & Phone Number

Leading the provision of multi-site security services to identify threats and protect vessels operating in High Risk Areas: Gulf of Guinea and offshore Nigeria, West Africa, as well as Mogadishu, Somalia and Berbera, Somaliland, on behalf of clients in the international offshore oil and energy sector.• Achieved zero breaches or incidents during tenure• Developed Ship Security, Incident Response and Crisis Management Plans• Directed 50+ crew, oversaw 3-4 man teams and managed 24-7 security watch • Provided maritime security advice to client Leadership Teams • Conducted vessel vulnerability assessments, reporting on gaps, recommending and implementing measures to mitigate risks of piracy attacks or illegal boarding• Managed and audited local security contractors• Enforced and achieved the highest standards of HSSE

Supported security contracts with EOS Risk and Veritas and also provided risk management solutions and advice to TV and media crews on behalf of Chiron Resources.

Devised and managed all aspects of maritime security in compliance with ISPS and SOLAS Codes to protect a newly built 124m super yacht owned by an UHNW client.• Liaised with Yacht Management CSO to implement audits and security inspections • Optimised owner and VIP guest security by through ISPS compliant security training and drills • Mastered newly installed, highly technical security systems from scratch

As a Maritime Security Team Leader, I was responsible for providing security and armed protection for vessels travelling through High Risk Areas including reviewing vessel transit routes, recent incidents and reporting risks, and allocation of resources to specific vessels. This involved providing operational security to vessels in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Straits of Hormuz and the Red Sea, in particular designated High Risk Areas. As part of this role, I simulated incident drills for the team and vessel crews prior to departure and throughout the voyage as appropriate to ensure the response to risks and incidents was rapid, controlled and effective. This was informed by risk assessing transit routes prior to departure based on recent reports, emerging risks, expected threats, and ensuring appropriate measures are in place to mitigate, respond and control threats.Additionally, I managed the team onboard the vessel including allocating responsibilities, maintaining security protocols and communications, and scheduling resources to ensure full anti-piracy watch at all times. I adopted a safety first approach at all times and encouraged a pro-active safety culture onboard the vessel with the security team and vessel crew. This involved identifying security risks and issues through regular visual audits and implementing physical security responses to vulnerable areas while prioritising general vessel Health and Safety. This required me to liaise with vessel crew, captain and relevant port authorities of any activity to ensure rapid response from authorities within High Risk Areas as part of response protocols.I also provided training for the security team and vessel crew in line with security Standard Operating Practices (SOPs), Best Management Practice (BMP4) and Regulations and prepared transit reports for Customs and Agents as part of vessel transit protocol throughout the High Risk Areas.

I managed all onboard risks and protocols in line with SOPs and general best practice and regulation and liaised with the captain and vessel crew throughout journeys. I was required to assess the vessel route for material risks and incidents and ensuring appropriate equipment, personnel and response protocols are in place prior to departure. I reviewed the vessel health and safety standards, identified vulnerable areas potentially at risk and implemented preventative solutions to mitigate impact of risks if they materialise. I was also required to manage the security team’s day-to-day activities including allocating posts and responsibilities, performing team drills and weapon systems, and holding de-briefing meetings to share information and communicate on day activities. I was also responsible for the safety of vessel crew throughout transit and ensuring the captain adopts the appropriate responses and prioritises the safety of crew at all times.

I was responsible for day-to-day security throughout the store including reviewing security footage, assessing risks, avoiding losses, implementing responses and protecting customers including VIPs.

As a Commando I undertook several field operations as part of two deployments to Afghanistan during my time with the British Commandos as part of operational priorities in the region. I worked alongside my fellow Commandos as part of providing support as gun detachment and several ground patrols as part of deterring insurgent activity. I handled weapons, operational resources and understood key operating protocols including continuously assessing operational risks before, during and after patrols.