So far this year the US Coast Guard has issued two revised documents material to the struggle against maritime piracy. One is the latest version of the applicable Maritime Security Directive; the other provides updated information regarding the policies of various countries concerning self-defense weapons onboard merchant ships visiting their ports.
The North Sea Route could address several issues plaguing shipping and seafaring
For the navy tackling pirates is akin to being between the devil and deep blue sea
Integration of the operations of various maritime agencies for combating piracy and criminalization of seafarers gets underway
Indian Administration yet to rise to the occasion
On December 6th the UK Department for Transport (DfT) posted on its website two documents providing guidance for UK-flagged vessels on countering piracy and armed robbery against ships. They include guidance allowing the use of armed guards against Somali pirates, implementing a change in policy that was promised in October.
Are seafarers left to fend for themselves in the event of piracy attack?
On May 26th, the International Maritime released a press briefing summarizing the results of the 89th session of its Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in London from May 11th to the 20th. In addition to safety, the MSC is responsible for maritime transportation security matters.
Indian government agrees to permit armed security personnel on ships traversing pirate prone area.
After years of recommending against the use of weapons to defend against piratical attacks, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has finally approved a Circular with interim guidance to the industry on the use of “privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in the High Risk Area” of the Indian Ocean, as well as apparently separate