In an interview yesterday morning with the BBC’s political commentator Andrew Marr, the leader of the coalition Government and the Conservative Party stressed that he wishes to see more being done to tackle the threats posed to vessels off the coast of Somalia, where 49 ships were hijacked last year alone.
At the present time it’s illegal for security officers to carry arms onboard British flagships, but there’s now a stated intention from the Prime Minister to change that law.
Cameron plans to reverse Britain’s existing stance which opposes the use of weapons aboard ships and has pledged that the new rules will be in place within a month.
For its part, UK-based organisation the Panic Room Company has welcomed the news.
Business development director Steve Brook stated: “A significant proportion of the interest we’ve received from exhibiting our Panic Rooms in Europe and Africa has been from the commercial shipping industry. Attacks carried out by Somali pirates are on the up, and ship owners have no choice but to ramp up their onboard security.”
Brook added: “Private armed guards make good sense, particularly if used in conjunction with portable Panic Rooms that will not only protect personnel as a last point of defence but also serve as secure impenetrable arms stores.”
Acts of piracy on the rise
In 2010 there were 489 acts of piracy or armed robbery against ships, an increase on the previous year, while watchdog Ecoterra stated only last month that Somali pirates are currently holding 50 ships and 528 hostages.
Under David Cameron’s new proposals, British-flagged vessels will be permitted to carry armed guards on the most hazardous shipping routes, most notably off the coast of Somalia where, as stated, 49 of the world’s 53 hijackings took place in 2010.
Around 20% of world trade passes through the Gulf of Aden between Yemen and Somalia to reach the Suez Canal which communicates the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and, ultimately, the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.
Statistics show that no ship carrying armed security has yet been hijacked, highlighting the importance of the Prime Minister’s proposed measures.
Speaking on the BBC, Cameron explained: “The fact that a bunch of pirates in Somalia are managing to hold to ransom the rest of the world and our trading system is a complete insult.”
While most hijackings tend to be over without taking casualties as soon as a ransom is paid, the process can take many months.
Not only that, the practice is also a huge drain on the global economy with maritime piracy costing up to 12 billion dollars in 2010 (Somalia-based pirates accounting for 95% of that figure).
SAMI supports UK approval on armed guards
The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) has also welcomed David Cameron’s announcement that ships sailing under the UK flag will be able to carry armed guards to protect them from pirates.
SAMI is an independent regulatory Trade Association for the maritime security industry and, since its formation last April, has been proactively working with UK Government departments to provide ongoing briefing and support on the use of private maritime security companies on board merchant vessels.
It’s clear that shipping needs security, but it has to be the right security. SAMI and its member companies are pleased to be playing an important role in supporting this significant Government decision.
SAMI’s accreditation programme for private maritime security providers will ensure that operations are conducted to professional standards and that correct procedures have been developed in line with the International Maritime Organisation’s guidelines, as well as additional industry Best Practice.
The piracy problems off Somalia have caused serious concerns for a number of years, from the suffering of seafarers through to the potentially debilitating effect on global trade. According to SAMI: “It’s through decisions such as this [by the Prime Minister] that we are seeing solutions evolve.
There’s still much work to be done by governments, the maritime industry and the military, but by legitimising the use of armed security expertise SAMI feels there’s an additional option for owners looking to safeguard their people and assets.
SAMI founder Peter Cook said: “We welcome this carefully considered and positive change of policy. Our member security companies operate to the very highest standards, and it’s significant that shipowners will now be able to access the necessary levels of security with UK Government approval.”
Cook added: “While the UK moves are important it should be remembered that the vast majority of ships passing through the Gulf of Aden are from ‘flag States’ such as Liberia, Panama and the Bahamas, many of which already allow armed guards. However, we should not underestimate the standing of the UK on the global stage, and this decision will likely prompt other nations to follow David Cameron’s lead.”
IPSA provides maritime sector with representation and training
The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) has reintroduced a specialist but limited maritime sector operation to deal with the increased needs of the maritime industry as they affect its members and company contracts.
Within its training programme, IPSA is offering courses not only at Port Facility Security Officer and Ship’s Security Officer level, but also for security guarding companies involved in the physical security of wharves and docks.
This ‘dry side’ of maritime security may not be attracting the high profile of piracy but is nonetheless of increasing importance due to the threat of terrorism.
Additionally, there’s the everyday ‘nitty gritty’ work of security, fire prevention, Health and Safety and the prevention of damage to look after.
That being the case, IPSA is building on its course base for supervisors, officers and trainers. In addition, bespoke crime prevention, civilian river patrol, bye-law enforcement and (in conjunction with the Institute of Professional Investigators) internal investigation courses will also be available.
As IPSA is an independent organisation and not profit-driven, training prices will be “competitive”.
International chairman Mike White explained: “We have had requests for both training and assessment both within the UK and abroad. Thankfully, we have within the membership all levels of personnel including PFSO trainers, former forces personnel, former dock and port law enforcement personnel and harbour and river patrollers. With the aid of sister organisations where necessary, we can deliver training and assessment packages worldwide at competitive prices.”
IPSA International Council members Roger Felgate (e-mail: [email protected], telephone: 07811 770908) and Simon Smith (e-mail: [email protected], telephone: 07748 588067) are the main contacts for the maritime sector
