The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the main international trade association for shipowners, announced today that it has changed its position on the use of private armed security guards to protect merchant ships against Somali pirate attacks, including those launched from hijacked "motherships" used throughout the Indian Ocean.
ICS Chairman Spyros Polemis stated that the shipping industry required adequate protection from pirates, especially in light of the "current crisis in the Indian Ocean." Shipowners have concluded that they must either arm ships or avoid the Indian Ocean completely.
Although Mr. Polemis agreed that the eradication of piracy remained the responsibility of governments, he explained that political resistance to the use of military navies to protect trade routes has left the industry little choice but to seek protection from armed guards.
Piracy costs the global economy between U.S. $7-12 billion each year, and increasing incidents around Somalia and the Cape of Good Hope could have a detrimental effect on both the price of commodities like oil and the economies of Africa and the Middle East, increasing the strain on stability in these regions during a politically uncertain time.
ISOA Industry Insight: This press release reveals frustration from the shipping industry regarding the inadequate level of protection they have received from a high-profile international naval effort to combat piracy in the region. For many shipping companies, the additional risk and liability of having armed security on board their ships makes such a choice inappropriate; however, for those with high value or dangerous cargos, the option may be more feasible. Shipping companies that decide to utilize private security to protect their vessels and crews should ensure the companies they hire are familiar with relevant international law, that they have signed onto the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers, and, ideally, that they are members of a standards-based trade association such as ISOA.
Aprodex Comment: Interested parties and stakeholders may wish to attend the following event "Tackling Kidnap, Hostage Taking and Hijacking - 2nd Annual Conference", in London on 24th and 25th May 2011, which includes speakers addressing piracy in the Gulf of Aden.
CLICK HERE for more details and to purchase tickets.
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