U.S. considering arming commercial ships

The Senate is considering an amendment granting immunity from prosecution in U.S. courts for any master, mariner or owner authorizing the use of force against acts of piracy.

The bill was introduced last month after the House of Representatives approved an amendment requiring the Department of Defense to deploy armed security teams on U.S. flagged vessels transiting through high-risk areas, such as the Gulf of Aden. That measure passed the House by a vote of 389-22.

Consideration of arming ships marks a sea change in attitude in the West, where legal concerns have traditionally discouraged the maritime industry from making weapons available.

Other concerns from shipping groups and insurers are that accessibility to arms will escalate violence and provoke pirates into using more powerful weaponry.

Proponents of armed guards aboard vessels say that pirates will be intimidated and attacks will decrease. In April, security guards aboard the Italian cruise ship MSC Melody opened fire on pirates attempting to board the vessel in the Indian Ocean.

The pirates fled.

Even if the House or Senate measures pass, the international community remains an obstacle to implementation. The International Maritime Organization-a U.N. agency-remains opposed to arming commercial ships.

Source: Associated Press