Castor Vali operates through a network of floating armoury and logistical support locations across key maritime security corridors of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.
These locations support the controlled embarkation and disembarkation of our security personnel and equipment while integrating with the vessel’s voyage plan and minimising operational disruption.
Locations are shown on our Maritime Security Operations Map, helping shipowners and operators identify suitable options for their intended route.
Castor Vali provides armed maritime security support across areas exposed to piracy, armed robbery, geopolitical instability and other maritime security threats.
Our operational coverage includes the Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, waters off Somalia, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, approaches to the Strait of Hormuz and relevant Red Sea and Indian Ocean routes.
Each deployment is assessed against the vessel’s intended route, current threat environment, applicable industry guidance and relevant designated risk areas.
Our standard operating model uses a three-person armed security team, providing 24-hour onboard security coverage, communications, threat monitoring and operational support throughout the transit.
Final team composition is determined by risk assessment, vessel profile, voyage duration, route, current threat assessment, Flag State requirements and specific client needs.
Where appropriate, a fourth security professional can be added to provide additional watchkeeping capacity.
Mobilisation is coordinated around the vessel’s ETA at the agreed embarkation point and the availability of suitably qualified personnel and equipment.
Where a team is already positioned within the relevant operational area, mobilisation may be possible at short notice.
As a general planning guideline, however, we recommend a minimum of 72 hours’ notice to confirm personnel availability, complete compliance checks, coordinate logistics and ensure all required operational documentation is in place.
Earlier notification is always recommended during periods of high demand or where additional logistical requirements apply.
Pricing is tailored to the vessel’s route and operational requirements.
Our standard pricing model is generally based on a lump sum covering an estimated seven-day transit between agreed embarkation and disembarkation locations. Where a deployment extends beyond the included period, an additional daily rate applies.
Final pricing reflects the route, transit duration, team composition, embarkation and disembarkation arrangements, logistics and current operational availability with costs set out clearly in our commercial proposal.
Castor Vali operates within an established maritime security compliance framework and maintains relevant industry certifications and approvals applicable to its operations.
Services are delivered in accordance with applicable Flag State requirements, ISO 28007 standards, relevant IMO guidance, current Best Management Practices and other recognised maritime security requirements.
As requirements vary by vessel flag, route and jurisdiction, our Compliance team reviews each deployment individually and provides relevant supporting documentation and approval status during the pre-deployment process.
Weapons movements, licensing, permits and associated security equipment are managed through established compliance and operational procedures in accordance with applicable Flag State, coastal State and other regulatory requirements.
Each deployment is governed by defined Rules for the Use of Force, escalation procedures and Standard Operating Procedures. These are integrated with the vessel’s security arrangements to support a controlled, proportionate and compliant response to security incidents.
Armed maritime security deployments are structured under the BIMCO GUARDCON contractual framework.
Before mobilisation, Castor Vali conducts the required compliance and due diligence review of the vessel, company, Flag State and intended voyage.
Relevant vessel and operational information is collected to confirm requirements and prepare contractual deployment documentation.
Our operations team then coordinates with the company and vessel throughout mobilisation, embarkation, transit and final disembarkation.
