REDFLAG is already a proven tool for land-based contingency planning, rehearsal and training but has now been refined to produce a cost-effective, novel and adaptable tool for the maritime environment. Although designed to improve the mutual understanding and integration between embarked armed security and the Master and crew, the tool can be used for assurance, training and demonstrating compliance. If you would like to understand how REDFLAG can help you to plan, rehearse or train in a maritime environment please contact us REDFLAG@sevenquestions.co.uk

1. 7Q
REDFLAGtactical wargaming for maritime security operations
REDFLAG is a cost-effective tool that offers a
range of benefits and wide utility:
❖ Cost-effective security team planning and
rehearsal.
❖ Joint training and rehearsal with the embarked
security team, Master and crew during transit.
❖ Demonstration of CONOPS and intent by
security providers during tendering or as part of
the client’s due diligence process.
❖ Improves plans and therefore the probability of
sevenquestions
Rehearse CP plans with minimum disruption but
maximum participation
Demonstrate due diligence and compliance with
IMO Guidance on the employment of PCASP
Plan, refine and develop CP CONPLANS
Test and assess PCASP plans and capabilities during the
tender process

2. REDFLAG is planning and training tool
based on proven military and commercial
wargaming techniques. It is simple, low
tech but high impact.
The tool meets the need for a simple, cost-
effective way to ensure compliance with IMO
guidance and to plan, rehearse and train the
PCASP whilst enduring Master and crew
familiarity with plans and drills.
The system uses available charts, plans and
deck layout diagrams and a disciplined turn-
based approach to test your tactical CP plan
against a credible threat.
There is no requirement for IT; the system can
be used anywhere from a training classroom
to a cabin.
There are no pre-determined outcomes,
REDFLAG uses a credible threat, controlled by
another player, to inject the risks that create
the obstacles to the success of the operation.
The turn-based nature of the a REDFLAG
session enables plans to be tested in detail
and exposes many issues which cannot be
exposed by basic tabletop games or other
systems.
The system is immersive, replicating the
pressure of complex real-life situations and
exposing areas for development in plans, any
incorrect assumptions underpinning them and
provides commanders and decision makers
with the opportunity to train and strengthen
relationships with the Master and crew or
potential clients.
ANNEX TO IMO INTERIM GUIDANCE TO SHIPOWNERS, SHIP
OPERATORS AND SHIPMASTERS ON THE USE OF PRIVATELY
CONTRACTED ARMED SECURITY PERSONNEL (PCASP) ON BOARD
SHIPS IN THE HIGH RISK AREA
3.3 Command & Control of Onboard Security Team
‘...prior to boarding the PCASP, the shipowners should ensure that the Master and
crew are briefed and exercises are planned and conducted so that all the roles and
responsibilities are understood by all personnel on board prior to entering the High Risk
Area…’
‘Factors to determine success may include … having a 24 hour Emergency Response
and a Contingency Plan in place covering all potential actions…’
3.5 Rules on the Use of Force
‘The PMSC should provide a detailed graduated response plan to a pirate attack as
part of their teams’ operational procedures.’
3.7 Familiarization for the Master and the crew
‘Shipowners and ship operators should ensure that the Master and the crew receive
familiarisation in relation to this guidance’
planning
COMPLIANCE training
due diligence
rehearsal
familiarization

3. How does REDFLAG work?
REDFLAG can be tailored to the specific
needs of the audience: the rehearsal of a
planned operation with a new Master and
crew, training using contingency plans, testing
of new tactics or demonstrating capability to
potential clients.
Each REDFLAG session requires some basic
preparation: selection of large and small scale
charts or plans, a basic plan or set of
‘behaviour options’ for the threat and an
agreement on the type of additional risks that
could be included.
Your trained control team or PCASP
commander will run the activity meaning that
the participants only require a minimal briefing
about the conduct of REDFLAG before the
session starts – maximizing training time and
minimising disruption.
Each REDFLAG exercise follows the same
format – a basic five-step process controlled
by a Referee. During each time limited turn,
interactions between the maritime security
team (Blue Team) and the Red Team (pirates)
are resolved by the Referee and key learning
points recorded as the session runs.
At the end of the session key lessons are
identified and the input of players and key
decision makers sought to provide a
comprehensive review of the activity that can
be tailored to the session objectives.
The Red Team
The actions of the adversary or subjects are not scripted in a
REDFLAG exercise. A credible Red Team plan or set of options
is created prior to the start of the session but the actions of the
Red Team are influenced by the activity of the Blue Team. In
addition to the subjects, the Red Team are also able to inject any
other risk that may have an influence on the outcome –
everything from the general population to the media and
equipment failures.
The inclusion of an adaptive yet credible threat and series of
risks presents a genuine test of plans and places decision
makers under realistic pressure in the type of dynamic scenario
they would face for real.
FLEXIBLE
PROVEN
cost effective
robusttailored

4. value
advantages
key features
so what?benefits
Key Features & Benefits of the REDFLAG System
A robust, proven methodology
that can be used anywhere.
No requirement for IT systems or specialist equipment means that the
system can be used anywhere at any time.
Flexible approach that offers a
range of applications
The system can be used to develop and rehearse plans but also enables
teams and vendors to demonstrate their approach to potential clients,
Highly visual and immersive
process
The tool can be used for joint training by the PCASP with Masters and
crew even when native languages differ.
Cost effective investment
Once taught to a training provider or PCASP team the system can be
used without further investment or cost and cascaded within the
organisation.
Demonstrates due diligence and
compliance
Routine use of the tool prior to embarkation and during a passage
ensures compliance withIMO guidance and demonstrates due diligence
to the client, Master and other stakeholders

5. Seven Questions Consulting Limited
55 Old Broad Street, London, EC2M 1RX, UK
Telephone: ! +44 (0)2076 177140
Email:!! ops@sevenquestions.co.uk
Registered in England & Wales No 7293559
REDFLAGtactical wargaming for maritime security operations
SevenQuestions specialize in providing decision support to clients working in high
risk industries and sectors to improve the speed and quality of decisions and
plans in order to increase revenue, manage costs, mitigate risk and improve
resilience.
Our REDFLAG tactical wargaming system has been adopted by UK police forces
to enhance the protection of Critical National Infrastructure and the UK nuclear
deterrent and to refine counter-terrorism response planning for the 2012 London
Olympic games.
In order to discuss how this flexible and cost-effective tool can be applied to assist
your organisation please contact us for a discussion of your requirements.
©2011 Seven Questions Consulting Ltd