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Maritime Security & Anti-Piracy Services

ISO 28007 certified embarked security teams protecting vessels across Africa's most dangerous waters. Powered by Sentinel MariTRAC real-time maritime intelligence.

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Sentinel Africa Group is a leading provider of maritime security services across the African continent, with particular expertise in the Gulf of Guinea and Mozambique Channel, two of the world's most high-risk maritime zones. Our embarked security teams (ESTs) are composed of former naval special warfare operators and experienced maritime security professionals who bring unparalleled capability to vessel protection operations. Every operation is conducted in strict compliance with BMP5 best management practices, ISPS Code requirements, and IMO guidelines for the use of privately contracted armed security personnel.

Our maritime security operations are powered by Sentinel MariTRAC, our proprietary maritime intelligence platform that provides real-time vessel tracking, piracy incident monitoring, threat corridor analysis, and predictive threat modelling for African waters. MariTRAC aggregates data from AIS transponders, LRIT systems, regional naval cooperation centres, and our own human intelligence network to provide ship operators and masters with the most current and actionable threat picture available. This intelligence-driven approach means our teams embark with a complete understanding of the threat environment and can adapt security postures dynamically throughout the transit.

We protect the full spectrum of maritime assets, from commercial container ships and tankers transiting the Gulf of Guinea to luxury superyachts cruising the East African coast. Our vessel security survey programme helps shipowners and operators assess vulnerabilities and implement hardening measures including citadel construction, razor wire deployment, water cannon systems, and safe room protocols. For port operations, our teams conduct comprehensive security assessments aligned with ISPS Code requirements, helping port facilities maintain compliance and protect high-value cargo.

As a full member of SAMI (Security Association for the Maritime Industry) and ISO 28007 certified, Sentinel Africa Group meets the highest international standards for private maritime security companies. Our operations are supported 24/7 by our shore-based OpsLink command centre, which maintains constant communication with embarked teams and provides real-time intelligence updates, emergency coordination, and reporting to ship operators and flag state authorities. With over 340 safe passages and 12,847 vessels monitored through MariTRAC, we are the trusted maritime security partner for shipowners, P&I clubs, and charterers operating in African waters.

Key Facts
Safe Passages340+
Vessels Monitored12,847
Piracy IncidentsZero
SpecialisationGoG
CertificationISO 28007
SAMI MemberFull

Maritime Security Capabilities

Embarked Security Teams

Armed and unarmed security teams deployed aboard vessels for transit protection through high-risk maritime zones.

Vessel Security Surveys

Comprehensive vulnerability assessments with hardening recommendations including citadel design and safe room protocols.

Port Security Assessments

ISPS Code-aligned port facility assessments identifying vulnerabilities and recommending security enhancements.

Superyacht Protection

Discreet security teams for superyachts and private vessels cruising African and Indian Ocean waters.

Anti-Piracy Operations

Specialised anti-piracy response capabilities including deterrence, defence, and post-incident management.

MariTRAC™ Intelligence

Proprietary maritime intelligence platform providing real-time threat data, vessel tracking, and predictive analysis.

Why Choose Sentinel for Maritime Security

Gulf of Guinea Experts

Deep operational experience and intelligence networks across the world's most active piracy zone.

MariTRAC Platform

Proprietary intelligence that puts real-time threat data in the hands of every team leader and ship master.

ISO 28007 Certified

Internationally certified and SAMI accredited, meeting the highest standards for private maritime security.

24/7 Shore Support

Round-the-clock operations centre providing real-time intelligence, communications, and emergency coordination.

MariTRAC™ Maritime Intelligence Platform

Sentinel MariTRAC is purpose-built for the complexities of African maritime security. The platform integrates AIS and LRIT vessel tracking with piracy incident databases, weather patterns, naval patrol schedules, and our own human intelligence network to create the most comprehensive maritime threat picture available for African waters.

Ship operators receive daily threat reports and real-time alerts, while embarked teams access the platform via encrypted tablet devices to maintain constant situational awareness. MariTRAC's predictive algorithms identify emerging threat patterns, enabling proactive route adjustments and security posture changes before threats materialise. The platform integrates directly with OpsLink for seamless communication between ship, shore, and command.

Vessel Tracking

Real-time AIS and LRIT integration tracking vessel positions and identifying suspicious activity.

Threat Corridors

Dynamic mapping of piracy hotspots and threat corridors updated continuously.

Predictive Analysis

AI-driven algorithms identify emerging piracy patterns before incidents occur.

Fleet Dashboard

Centralised monitoring of all protected vessels with alert escalation protocols.

Case Study

International Shipping Line | Gulf of Guinea
340+ Safe Passages Through High-Threat Waters

Sentinel Africa Group was contracted by a major international shipping line to provide ongoing embarked security teams for their Gulf of Guinea operations. The engagement covered multiple vessel types including tankers, container ships, and bulk carriers transiting between West African ports. Our teams deployed with MariTRAC intelligence support and 24/7 shore-based monitoring. Over the course of the contract, we completed over 340 safe passages without a single piracy incident, while providing daily intelligence reports and vessel hardening recommendations that significantly improved the client's overall maritime security posture.

340+
Safe Passages
0
Piracy Incidents
24/7
Monitoring
GoG
Area of Ops

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our embarked security teams include armed operatives licensed under applicable flag state and port state regulations. All teams are equipped with appropriate weapons systems and non-lethal deterrents in accordance with BMP5 guidelines. Our maritime security operators hold relevant firearms certifications and are experienced in Rules for the Use of Force at sea. Weapon systems are sourced through licenced floating armouries with full chain-of-custody documentation.
We protect the full range of commercial and private vessels including container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, offshore supply vessels, fishing fleets, superyachts, and private motor vessels. Our teams adapt security postures to suit the specific requirements of each vessel type and transit route. We work with shipowners, charterers, and management companies across the maritime industry.
Sentinel MariTRAC is our proprietary maritime intelligence platform that provides real-time vessel tracking, threat corridor mapping, piracy incident monitoring, and predictive threat analysis for African waters. The platform aggregates data from AIS, LRIT, naval cooperation centres, and our own intelligence network to deliver actionable threat intelligence before and during transits. Ship operators and masters access the platform via secure web and tablet interfaces.
The Gulf of Guinea is one of our primary areas of operation. We have extensive experience in this high-threat maritime zone, with local operational bases, established relationships with regional navies, and deep intelligence networks across West Africa. We have conducted over 340 safe passages through the Gulf of Guinea without a single piracy incident under our protection.
Our maritime security operations are ISO 28007 certified. We are full members of SAMI (Security Association for the Maritime Industry), and our teams hold STCW certifications, ENG1 medical certificates, and relevant flag state approvals. All operations comply with IMO guidelines and BMP5 best management practices for protection against piracy.

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