Piracy
The shipping industry has been fully engaged in developing policy and other measures to respond to the modern piracy and armed robbery problem which emerged in 1980s and which continues to threaten international shipping today. However, today’s problem is commonly viewed by shipowners as a part of the wider (maritime) security environment and there are many common security responses and obligations. Shipowners have for a long time known that ‘defence’ (together with intelligence) has shown itself to be the best method of avoiding an incident. Both the overt and covert anti-piracy measures adopted by UK ships have regularly proven effective at deterring even determined and armed attacks at sea and reducing crime in port. Owners see their principal obligations as to:
- Adopt policies and procedures and employ equipment to protect the ships and persons on board from the possibility of attacks and to repel, using reasonable means, any attacks that might occur.
- Minimise the risks to personnel and to the ship if an attack takes place.
- Report attacks to regional and international centres, coastal state authorities and to the flag state.
Co-operate in criminal investigations.
It is common for shipping companies to carry out both formal and less formal risk assessments which quickly highlight specific geographical locations where their ships are at greatest risk. Ultimately, ship masters and individual crew members carry the responsibility for carrying out effective anti-piracy procedures and it remains of real concern that in doing so seafarers are at risk.
Piracy statistics show that certain ship types globally are more prone to attack than others. Small slow vessels with low freeboard such as tugs and tows, offshore support and fishing vessels appear frequently in the statistics. Conversely, fast moving large ships with high freeboard such as container ships and tankers are better able to evade an attack. Incidents occur more frequently in poorly policed port areas. All ships deter attacks by appearing alert, well managed and prepared.
The Chamber continues to argue the view that further joint initiatives to control the piracy risk in certain parts of the world are needed although recognising that the principal responsibility and ability for tackling this problem lies in helping the states within whose territory these criminals operate and are based.
More information on international piracy statistics are available from The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).