At Pathfinder Advisory, we provide specialized expertise in assessing incidents involving weapons, ammunition, and explosives at sea. With extensive operational and investigative experience, we help organizations evaluate risks, analyze accidents, and strengthen safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
🔍 What We Do?
- Assessment of accidents caused by the use of weapons or explosives at sea
- Investigation of onboard weapons mishandling and ammunition storage safety
- Evaluation of naval and coast guard procedures for compliance with international standards
- Expert opinion in liability and negligence cases
- Recommendations for preventive measures, training, and safety systems
🌍 Why It Matters?
Accidents involving weapons or explosives can lead to devastating consequences — loss of life, damage to ships, disruption of trade, and escalation of political or military tensions.
Pathfinder Advisory provides independent assessments and practical solutions to:
- Improve crew preparedness
- Strengthen accountability and compliance
- Reduce operational and security risks
- Support governments, navies, insurers, and private maritime operators in preventing recurrence
⚠️ Real Cases & Context
Across the Mediterranean and Middle East, there have been repeated incidents showing how critical this expertise is:
- Beirut Port Explosion (2020) – Though on land, the mishandling of stored ammonium nitrate near the port remains one of the most devastating examples of poor ammunition management, killing 200+ people and destroying a major maritime hub.
- Eastern Mediterranean Naval Incidents – Several navies in the region (Turkey, Greece, Cyprus) have reported near-accidents with live-fire exercises at sea, where improper handling could have triggered international disputes.
- Libyan Coastline Conflicts – Weapons smuggling and improvised explosives aboard small vessels have led to multiple accidents, damaging ships and threatening crews.
- Red Sea & Gulf of Aden – The use of naval mines and sea-borne explosives in conflicts (notably off Yemen) has highlighted the dangers posed by non-compliant handling of explosives.
- North African Coastal Patrols – Smaller coast guard units have faced challenges with ammunition storage, leading to accidents and loss of patrol assets.
These incidents reveal a pattern of risks linked to weapons handling, storage, and transport in maritime settings — all areas where Pathfinder Advisory offers critical guidance.
🧭 Pathfinder Advisory’s Added Value
We combine operational experience with international legal and safety standards to deliver:
- Investigations into causes of maritime weapons-related accidents
- Safety audits of vessels, coast guard bases, and maritime infrastructure
- Training programs for crews on handling, storing, and transporting ammunition safely
- Policy advisory for governments and institutions to align with IMO, NATO, and UN standards
📩 Contact Pathfinder Advisory today to learn how we can help your organization strengthen safety, reduce risks, and ensure compliance in weapons and explosives management at sea.
Pathfinder Advisory 