Maritime Security Discussion Features Comments on International Standards
A recent discussion among experts regarding maritime security policy addressed the need for international regulation to apply to all flag states.
Following is an excerpt from the panel featuring PGI chief executive Barry Roche, BIMCO head of maritime security Giles Noakes, Ince & Co partner Stephen Askins, and Marsh Global Marine Practice managing director Nick Roscoe, and chaired by Lloyd's List senior reporter Liz McMahon:
What is your view on moves to develop an international standard?
Noakes: There was a point where we feared legislation from 160 separate flag states and this would have been impossible, as you can imagine. With ISO 28007 [the international standard from the International Organisation for Standards], we might get it wrong but we are working towards a standard of the highest order. This is the way forward and we should be insisting upon it.
Askins: Everyone has their own standard and it is a patchwork of inconsistency with states such as Germany still making national requirements. It feels like we are fudging it a bit.
Roche: We are solving it where the biggest problems lie; no company is forced to play in this arena. The bar shouldn’t be set too high for entry but a clear benchmark for quality must be established.
What are your thoughts as we conclude this discussion?
Roscoe: From an insurance angle, it’s important advice to say to shipowners you have proper insurance and not just a licence.
Askins: The level of knowledge in West Africa is much lower, as is the level of the crews being used.
Noakes: A more strategic approach to global maritime security [is needed]. It would be much better to review the [industry] culture and view it as a profit culture rather than an overhead. It’s all based on risk and it requires a change in mind-set that I think would benefit shipowners.
Roche: We must work as PMSCs collaboratively, with governments, to suppress piracy or we will see a return of piracy.
Another noteworthy quote came from Noakes regarding regulation levels: "You can never overregulate the use of weapons on merchant vessels."
