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Private maritime security companies are private security companies with a focus on providing maritime security. PMSCs are sometimes referred to as Private Security Companies or Private Military Security Companies , which are private land-based security companies that also offer maritime services.
The PMSCs do most often provide their services to the commercial shipping industry who fear piracy, as modern day piracy is posing a threat to the shipping industry and all maritime transport.
The PMSCs are especially active in areas with strategically important waterways where piracy is a serious security. This is due to the fact that sea route is one of the main ways of transportation and trade with other countries. Today, the among the hotspots are the Indian Ocean, the Strait of Malacca, the Gulf of Guinea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Gulf of Mexico.
PMSCs are primarily hired to provide anti-piracy services in different parts of the world, but mostly in strategically important waterways where the incidents of piracy attacks is high. PMSCs are effective, as the International Maritime Bureau , have reported that no ship has been successfully hijacked with armed personnel on board, which is supported by IMO statistics.