Update from the Secretary General Mr Efthimios Mitropoulos
IMO yesterday had a press conference covering piracy and also including an update of Djibouti Code of Conduct Implementation.
At this press conference this week, IMO secretary general Efthimios Mitropoulos stated that seafarers should not be armed and the carriage of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) remains a matter for further discussion. The request should only come following a thorough risk assessment. In addition, flag states should have a policy in place on whether, or not the use of PCASP will be authorised and, if so, under what conditions.
The main action plan objectives for piracy which were covered at this press conference were as follows:
Increase pressure at the political level to secure the immediate release of all hostages being held by pirates
Review and improve the IMO guidelines to Administrations and seafarers and promote compliance with industry best management practices and the recommended preventive, evasive and defensive measures should follow
Promote greater levels of support from, and coordination with, navies
Promote anti-piracy coordination and co-operation procedures between and among States, regions, organizations and industry
Assist States to build the capacity of States in piracy-infested regions of the world, and elsewhere, to deter, interdict and bring to justice those who commit acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships; and
Provide care for those attacked or hijacked by pirates and for their families
Since August 2008 where approximately 50% of attacks were successful, on a 12 month rolling average the pirate success ratio has been reduced to its current level of below 20%.The figures for the first six months of this year (187 attacks leading to 22 hijacks) indicate that 88% of attacks are being defeated, largely by proper application of BMP3
On 1 January 2011 there were 28 ships and 656 seafarers being held. At the official launch of the Action Plan on 3 March 2011, this had risen to 30 ships and 714 seafarers. At present (20 July) there are 22 ships and 464 seafarers being held, a significant reduction, but indicative that the situation is far from acceptable.
To view the whole presentation, click to the following link:
Piracy: orchestrating the response- Powerpoint Presentation – Piracy: orchestrating the response 21 July 2011
Also, click here to view the Update on Djibouti Code of Conduct implementation
For your reference, the Maritime Safety Committee at its eighty-ninth session approved:
MSC.1/Circ.1406 on interim recommendations for flag States on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in the High Risk Area.
IMO does not endorse carriage of firearms by seafarers, or the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships.
Current IMO guidance on:
Carriage of firearms on board merchant ships:
Masters, shipowners and companies should be aware that ships entering the territorial sea and/or ports of a State are subject to that States legislation. It should be borne in mind that importation of firearms is subject to port and coastal State regulations. It should also be borne in mind that carrying firearms may pose an even greater danger if the ship is carrying flammable cargo or similar types of dangerous goods.
Non-arming of seafarers:
The carrying and use of firearms by seafarers for personal protection or for the protection of a ship is strongly discouraged;
Carriage of arms on board ship may encourage attackers to carry firearms or even more dangerous weapons, thereby escalating an already dangerous situation. Any firearm on board may itself become an attractive target for an attacker;
It should also be borne in mind that shooting at suspected pirates may impose a legal risk for the master, shipowner or company, such as collateral damages. In some jurisdictions, killing a national may have unforeseen consequences even for a person who believes he or she has acted in self defence. Also the differing customs or security requirements for the carriage and importation of firearms should be considered, as taking a small handgun into the territory of some countries may be considered an offence.
Carriage of arms on board ship may encourage attackers to carry firearms or even more dangerous weapons, thereby escalating an already dangerous situation. Any firearm on board may itself become an attractive target for an attacker;
It should also be borne in mind that shooting at suspected pirates may impose a legal risk for the master, shipowner or company, such as collateral damages. In some jurisdictions, killing a national may have unforeseen consequences even for a person who believes he or she has acted in self defence. Also the differing customs or security requirements for the carriage and importation of firearms should be considered, as taking a small handgun into the territory of some countries may be considered an offence.
Use of unarmed security personnel:
The use of unarmed security personnel is a matter for individual shipowners, companies, and ship operators to decide;
The use of unarmed security personnel to provide security advice and an enhanced lookout capability could be considered.
Use of privately contracted armed security personnel:
The use of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) on board merchant ships and fishing vessels is a matter for a flag State to determine in consultation with shipowners, operators and companies. Masters, shipowners, operators and companies should contact the flag State and seek clarity of the national policy with respect to the carriage of armed security personnel.
All legal requirements of flag, port and coastal States should be met.
If armed security personnel are allowed on board, the master, shipowner, operator and company should take into account the possible escalation of violence and other risks.
The use of unarmed security personnel to provide security advice and an enhanced lookout capability could be considered.
Use of privately contracted armed security personnel:
The use of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) on board merchant ships and fishing vessels is a matter for a flag State to determine in consultation with shipowners, operators and companies. Masters, shipowners, operators and companies should contact the flag State and seek clarity of the national policy with respect to the carriage of armed security personnel.
All legal requirements of flag, port and coastal States should be met.
If armed security personnel are allowed on board, the master, shipowner, operator and company should take into account the possible escalation of violence and other risks.
Interim Guidance and Recommendations on use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP)
New interim recommendations and guidance (MSC.1/Circs. 1405 and 1406) do not change IMOs position on the use of armed personnel seafarers should not be armed and the carriage of PCASP remains a matter of decision for the ship owner, after a thorough risk assessment, to request and the Flag State to decide. Flag States should have a policy in place on whether or not the use of PCASP will be authorized and, if so, under what conditions.
While providing guidance as to under which conditions PCASP can be contracted to prevent ships falling in the hands of pirates, IMO has clarified that it neither endorses nor institutionalizes the practice or the carriage of firearms on board merchant ships.
Source: IMO