Int’l shipping organization Chair calls for greater facilitation of armed guards

In a sign that the world maritime community is moving closer to supporting the use of privately armed guards, the Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping has spoken out in favor of facilitating their embarkation.

Spyros M Polemis made the remarks Oct. 11 to delegates at the India Shipping Summit in Mumbai.

“This has to stop now. The pirates must get the message that we have reached the end of our tether and that any act of piracy will be severely dealt with,” he said.

Until now, many shipping organizations have opposed the use of armed guards, citing the fear of “escalation of violence.”

Polemis’ multi-faceted anti-piracy platform called for all countries in the Indian Ocean region to agree and assist in the embarkation and debarkation of privately contracted armed guards.

He also addressed the use of military guards, stating:

-All vulnerable commercial ships passing through the Additional War Risk Premium (AWRP) area shall have armed military guards.

-The United Nations must arrange to provide armed military guards as a VPDs (Vessel Protection Detached Units) or as part of a Blue Beret force.

Polemis also called for:

-The immobilization of mother ships.

-Targeting pirate bases ashore for action.

-Prosecution of pirates to the fullest extent of the law.

-The release of all hostages and ships in Somalia.

-Adherence to Best Management Practices.

Source: Maritime Executive.com