BIMCO GUARDCON – Contract for the employment of security guards on vessels 29 March 2012 No.11-029 Members are referred to BIMCO's GUARDCON contract for the employmentof security guards on vessels (GUARDCON), published on 28 March 2012. The decision as to whether to employ guards (whether armed or unarmed) is an operational one for Members. In making that decision Members must always comply with Flag State law as well as any applicable local laws. Members are also reminded of their obligation to follow the due diligence principles set out in IMO MSC Circular 1405 1 together with Best Management Practices(currently Version 4, August 2011). Nevertheless, it has been recognised that the growth in the number of Private Maritime Security Contractors (PMSC's), each with differing contractual terms, has been resulting in uncertainty. Accordingly, to benefit the wider shipping community, BIMCO has developed GUARDCON, drafted by a working group comprising of shipowners, property underwriters, IG P&I Club representatives, maritime lawyers, representatives of security companies and other shipowner and marine insurance associations. GUARDCON is intended to harmonise terms of engagement of PMSC's (described in GUARDCON as Contractors) as well as simplifying the processes for vetting and approval of contracts by Members and their P&I Clubs. Members are reminded that GUARDCON does not represent a recommendation by BIMCO or the International Group of P&I Clubs for, or endorsement of, the use of security guards on board vessels. Nor are security guards a substitute for strict compliance with Best Management Practices. Placing security guards on board a vessel should also only be considered after a risk assessment has been carried out and the Master should be involved in the decision-making process. However, the provisions of GUARDCON have been reviewed by the International Group's Maritime Security subcommittee and conform with Club cover and Pooling requirements. GUARDC