The maritime security market evolves at a rapid pace, with legislation and requirements regulating PMSCs becoming stricter. For this reason, Aspida has implemented a very rigorous and precise HRM system with an aim to raise the standards of the contractors it employs and diminish the possibility of misconduct or accidents.
First of all, a thorough screening procedure has been created, which in the first phase involves the crosschecking of all CVs and documents received. In the second phase, an in-depth semi-structured interview procedure checks not only operational knowledge of potential contractors, but most importantly it assesses personality traits and interpersonal skills, which are crucial in order to assess whether a candidate fits the prerequisites for a particular job.
In order to scientifically support the outcome of the interview procedure, Aspida uses as a psychometric screening instrument, the Profiler Test, which is based on the extensively used Big Five model to explore candidates’ core personality characteristics:
1. Neuroticism
2. Conscientiousness
3. Extraversion
4. Agreeableness
5. Openness to experience
Each scale measures a number of variables that explore a variety of personality traits. For instance, the neuroticism scale examines the following subscales:
- Anxiety
- Angry hostility
- Depression
- Self-consciousness
- Impulsiveness
- Vulnerability to stress
The psychometric test is administered to the potential candidate before the actual interview and the interview procedure is based on the test findings, in an effort to assess the candidate fully and in depth. Aspida intensively supports the notion that the human capital of a company is one of the most important factors in its success. Such an intense screening procedure creates advantages both for Aspida and its clients.
Aspida invests greatly in the wellbeing of its contractors, a procedure that begins with the initial screening in the interview procedure. From this initial psychometric assessment onwards, all operators are in contact with Aspida’s organisational psychologist in order to resolve any issues or psychological complaints that might emerge during deployments, well before they become disruptive. The purpose of this project is to preserve a stable pool of contractors that will eventually create a very cohesive, committed and highly operational team.
Due to the cultural diversity of the operators we employ (Greek, British, Danish and Polish), Aspida’s HR department takes under consideration any cultural differences and informs its operators in order to enhance respect and social support between its members.
At an organisational level, a healthy (both physically and psychologically) and highly operational pool of contractors is considered very important for Aspida, and is also a requirement for the majority of shipping companies who desire the most efficient security team onboard their vessels.
All our operators are highly experienced ex-Special Forces members with a variety of military and NATO backgrounds. In accordance with ISO 28007 requirements, all Aspida operators are subject to continuous training with certifications from accredited training centres in the following courses:
- Ship security officer (SSO)
- Maritime security operative (MSO)
- STCW
- Maritime firearms competency course (MFCC) and annual refresher course (MFRC)
- First person on scene (FPOS) medical training
In addition, all operators are required to provide Aspida with a criminal record statement annually.
When a candidate successfully passes the two phases of the screening procedure, they are required in the third and final phase to undergo detailed medical examinations, which need to be renewed annually in order to monitor the physical and psychological health of contractors.
The examinations requested are as follows, and failure to submit these documents automatically implies the disqualification of the contractor:
- Drug and alcohol test
- Psychiatrist evaluation
- General medical examination
- Treadmill test
- Eye test
- Vaccination card
Through this thorough procedure, Aspida retains an efficient team of contractors that will ensure the professionalism of the company and will reflect the high standards that Aspida offers the shipping industry.