Handre Van Zijl Smit
Chief Security
Cape Town
Summary
With a robust background at MSC Cruises, I excel in crisis management and team development, ensuring top-notch security and emergency preparedness. My expertise spans surveillance systems and effective communication, highlighted by a track record of enhancing safety protocols and staff competencies.
Furthermore I have extensive knowledge in crime scene preservation, evidence collection, investigation in a wide range of incidents, I am well versed in reading body language of people and more often than not I am able to anticipate the next moves of a person in a hostile situation.
Due to the amount of time that I have spent onboard cruise vessels I have a deep understanding of other departments and how they interact with each other, furthermore I train all crew regularly in ISPS policies and regulations, I have extensive knowledge in the use of Smiths X-Ray Machines, Hand Held Metal Detectors, Arch Metal Detectors, I am also well versed in physical restraint techniques and using of handcuffs.
Maritime Security is something that I have always found deeply enjoyable and interesting and wish to continue doing this until I am physically no longer capable of doing it.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Chief Security
MSC Crociere
05.2024 - 11.2024
- Oversaw security of guests, employees and and assets by enforcing and regulating security policies and procedures and monitoring and maintaining security systems.
- Coordinated security emergency evacuation drills and exercises in an effort to develop and improve emergency procedures.
- Developed and grew staff competencies through team development, implementation and support of specific training for various responsibilities.
- Conducted thorough investigations into reported incidents, taking statements, interviewed parties involved in incidents, collection of evidence and creating incident reports which is sent to MSCCM(UK) and local law enforcement.
- Managed a team of security personnel, providing training and development opportunities to ensure their consistent growth and effectiveness.
- Streamlined communication between security staff, improving response times to potential threats.
- Maintained compliance with local, state, and federal regulations by staying current on industry standards and best practices.
- Monitored CCTV cameras and alarm systems for security breaches.
- Plan and creation of daily working schedules.
- Greeted guests professionally and courteously to cultivate welcoming atmosphere while making safety top priority.
- Updated shift logs and produced daily reports to document security activities and specific incidents.
- Operated handheld metal detector/ X-Ray Machines and other surveillance devices to screen individuals entering the vessel.
- Conducted training for all embarking crew on Security Policies while onboard.
- Perform alcohol tests on intoxicated crew members that violated onboard alcohol policy.
Deputy Chief Security Officer
MSC Crociere
11.2021 - 05.2024
- Perform routine inspections of security team members' working knowledge, perform training for security team on various security related topics.
- Assisted Chief Security Officer with investigations involving guests or crew members, collection of evidence, taking statements from parties involved in incidents.
- Assisted Chief Security Officer in the daily management of the security team.
- Assisted Chief Security Officer in planning and executing quarterly Security drills.
- Liaising with local authorizes in regards to incidents.
- Keeping good relations with other head of departments and ship command
Security Officer
MSC Crociere
05.2018 - 11.2021
- Prevented unauthorized access to facilities by enforcing strict entry protocols and verifying identification.
- Reported suspicious activities and persons to the Bridge and Chief Security Officer
- Checked identification of persons entering and exiting facility to eliminate unauthorized visitors.
- Greeted guests professionally and courteously to cultivate welcoming atmosphere while making safety top priority.
- Patrolled and monitored premises in company vehicle, on bicycle, and by foot.
- Managed access control systems efficiently, ensuring accurate records of employee badges for restricted areas were maintained at all times.
- Responded quickly to incidents and assessed active situations for security concerns.
- Remained calm, assertive, and mindful to think critically and problem solve during stressful situations.
- Perform screening on all persons entering the vessel, using Handheld Metal Detector, X-Ray Machine and physical pat down techniques.
Bar Manager
Bart's Tavern
03.2017 - 05.2018
- Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
- Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
- Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
- Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
- Ordering of stock.
- Adjusting prices of products, and updating the Point of Sale program.
- Create working schedules for employees
- Resolved disputes between staff or between patrons.
Bartender
Bart's Tavern
06.2016 - 03.2017
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
Assistant Rope Access Instructor
Immortal Safety LTD
01.2014 - 06.2016
- Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes.
- Increased student participation via engaging lectures and assignments.
- Physical demonstrations in the use of High Safety equipment such as harnesses, fall arrest blocks and other PPE.
EOD Technician
The HALO Trust
02.2013 - 10.2013
- Participation in the location and disposal of landmines such as VS-69, M409 and M14 anti personnel mines.
- Participated in training camps for local citizens on identification of landmines and safe practices when in the vicinity of a confirmed land mine.
- Humanitarian aid work, such as delivering food, water and medication to local villages.
- Providing assistance to other EOD Technicians.
Soldier - RANK PRIVATE
South African National Defence Force
02.2011 - 07.2013
- Maintained physical fitness levels to meet demanding operational requirements and ensure optimal performance under challenging circumstances.
- Ensured mission success with diligent planning, coordination, and execution of various tasks.
- Trained in infantry tactics, weapons and medical procedures for well-rounded field support.
- Practical training in road/bridge construction for military use.
- Safe usage of explosives in demolition of infrastructure and obstacles.
- Proficiency training in the use of firearms.
- Detection and elimination of landmines and other IED's.
Education
High School Diploma -
Fish Hoek Highschool
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
- Data protection
- Emergency planning
- Access control
- Crisis management
- Security management
- Security training
- Surveillance systems
- CCTV monitoring
- Computer skills
- Patrolling
- Training
- De-escalation of hostile individuals
Certification
Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act
Timeline
Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
03-2025
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
02-2025
Ship Security Officer
02-2025
Chief Security
MSC Crociere
05.2024 - 11.2024
Breath Alcohol Technician
02-2024
Overboard Detection Platform (ODP-MOD) Operators Course
08-2023
Crowd Management, Passenger Safety and Safety Training for Personnel
02-2023
Elementary First Aid
02-2023
Proficiency in Crisis Management and Human Behaviour Training Including Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety and Hull Integrity Training
02-2023
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
02-2023
Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act
06-2022
Deputy Chief Security Officer
MSC Crociere
11.2021 - 05.2024
Security Officer
MSC Crociere
05.2018 - 11.2021
Bar Manager
Bart's Tavern
03.2017 - 05.2018
Bartender
Bart's Tavern
06.2016 - 03.2017
Assistant Rope Access Instructor
Immortal Safety LTD
01.2014 - 06.2016
EOD Technician
The HALO Trust
02.2013 - 10.2013
Soldier - RANK PRIVATE
South African National Defence Force
02.2011 - 07.2013
High School Diploma -
Fish Hoek Highschool
04.2001 -
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