Bancroft Maritime Security Solutions (BMSS) provides top-tier risk management and compliance solutions, protecting lives and assets.

Founded in 2009 by David Bancroft, a Merchant Navy Medal recipient, BMSS understands the real-world challenges of the Merchant Marine. With offices in the UK and Australia, we offer practical, experience-based solutions.

We serve the critical needs of industry, government agencies (civil, policing, and defence).
Our team has over 100 years of combined service at sea, including the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the Merchant Navy. This experience means we're experts in:

    • Protecting ships, ports, and facilities
    • Controlling maritime borders
    • Managing marine disasters and crises
    • Ensuring overall maritime safety and security

Anti-Piracy Leaders: We're world leaders in fighting piracy. Our founder, David Bancroft, led UKMTO (2007-2009) and created the Anti-Piracy Best Management Practice and the IRTC (Internationally Recognised Transit Corridor) – the global standard.

The Best People: We carefully select and vet every BMSS security operator. Our directors' experience guarantees we hire only the best, protecting our clients' reputations.

For maritime security, choose BMSS – nothing less will do.

The Directors

David Bancroft:
A Lifetime of Protecting MarinersDavid Bancroft is a seasoned mariner. He has had distinguished careers in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy.His expertise in maritime security was forged in the heat of the piracy crisis. As the UK Anti-Piracy Unit Commander (UKMTO) in the Middle East (2008/2009), he was a crucial point of contact during hijackings, playing a key role in their safe resolution.

David also worked tirelessly to improve the self-protection of merchant ships. He advocated for non-weaponized defence and shaped what became the globally recognised Best Management Practices (BMPs) and the Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor (IRTC). For these contributions, he received the prestigious Merchant Navy Medal in 2010.

After leaving the military, David remained on the front lines, repelling a pirate attack while protecting a vessel. His commitment to maritime safety continues through anti-piracy training and frequent appearances as a keynote speaker at international maritime security events. He was inducted into Trinity House as a Younger Brother in 2012.

 Stephen Duffy:
Expertise in Maritime Border Protection and SecurityStephen Duffy brings 23 years of experience in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) where he rose to the rank of Commander. After the Navy, he helped establish Australia's National Marine Unit (similar to the Coast Guard). Stephen became a key figure in building its maritime border protection capabilities. Later, he served as Senior Advisor to the United Arab Emirates Coast Guard (UAECG) Commander, significantly enhancing their operational effectiveness.

Throughout his career, Stephen has been deeply involved in protecting Australia's maritime borders, contributing to tactical, operational, and strategic success. He combated illegal activities like drug smuggling, illegal fishing, and unauthorised immigration. He also managed, trained, and assessed personnel responsible for Australia's maritime defence.

As advisor to the UAECG Commander, Stephen played a vital role in the unit's restructuring and expansion. He served as Training Commander established the UAECG Training Centre, developed policies and operational plans, and managed the procurement of new assets. As a Maritime Security Executive Committee director, he also contributed to the Abu Dhabi Maritime Strategy.