Draft law on protection of Cyprus ships from acts of piracy
Measures must be taken for the safety of ships New legislation on the measures to be taken to protect Cyprus ships from acts of piracy and other illegal acts is passing through Parliament.The draft law affirms the general principle that necessary measures must be taken for the safety of ships and the prevention of illegal acts in accordance with Chapter XI-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and EC Regulation 725/2004. Additional measures, including the use of private security firms, may be taken when a vessel enters a high-risk area. The draft law sets out: a process for the Cyprus authorities to grant operators of Cyprus ships permission to employ private security contractors to protect a vessel; the licensing process for private security firms wishing to provide services to Cyprus ships (firms that are not incorporated in Cyprus will be required to appoint an authorised representative in Cyprus); and the rights and obligations of the master, crew and other persons onboard Cyprus ships, including rights of arrest and detention with respect to persons that have committed or purported to commit an illegal act against the vessel, its ...
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