Liberian Registry Launches Initiative to Protect Shipping from Piracy

The responsibility for protecting merchant shipping from the threat of piracy is one which must be shared by industry and governments alike. Liberia condemns piracy in all its forms. It has signed the Declaration Condemning acts of Violence against Seafarers, and has affirmed its commitment to supply to IMO all information which is provided to it following acts of piracy involving its ships. It has launched its own initiatives to help bridge the gap created by the limited availability of naval protection.

The Registry also offers an electronic course designed to help crews avoid, deter or delay acts of piracy and comply with best management practice. Liberia has led the way in promoting Best Management Practice, in concluding agreements with uS and Eu naval forces which allow naval detachments to board vessels flying its flag, and in creating clear lines of communication. It has encouraged personnel on board Liberian-flag ships to contact the Registry for advice, and it has issued appro-priate guidance, including advice on the onboard deployment of armed security guards in high-risk waters.

Furthermore, it has pushed for international guidelines on the deployment of such guards, properly developed and co-ordinated by IMO. In recent months, there has been a discernible fall-off in the incidence of piracy attacks originating from Somalia against merchant shipping. Jorgen Palmbak, Director of Maritime Security at the Libe-rian Registry, explains, “The increased activity of the coalition forces in the areas of pirate concentra-tion combined with the ship-owners’ use of ship protection measures as recommended in the Best Management Practices for protection against Somalia based piracy and the use of armed security personnel has undoubtedly had an effect.

In addition, the activities of the Puntland Maritime Police Force on land have made it increasingly difficult for pirates to launch their piracy missions. Per IMO directive, ISO has developed an ISO standard (ISO/PaS 28007) that establishes criteria for selecting companies that provide armed guards for ships. Liberia supports this initiative, not least because it helps keep out rogue pirate-hunters, avoids self-regulation and provides owners with a means to select – and flag state administrations a standard by which to audit – security providers. Shipping cannot afford to relax its efforts.“

Following the recent fall-off in Somalia-based attacks, the focus has now switched to other areas, notably West africa. Development and support of unified efforts must continue in order to prevent piracy and to protect those at risk, otherwise the threat will grow and spread

[mappress]

LISCR, March 8, 2013