Registries Sound off on Armed Guards at Shipping 2012

Representatives from several of the world's flag states spoke with the OGSR team at CMA Shipping 2012 regarding their clients' rights to hire armed personnel to protect their vessels and crews.

Captain Michael DeCharles, Senior Manager of Safety, Security, Quality and Regulatory Compliance of Vanuatu Maritime Services, Ltd. said the registry has established policies in its Maritime Bulletin 111 issued December 2011 for Shipowners to follow should they wish to hire armed guards, and supports the use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel as long as a ship Shipowner/Master follows these rules.

Addressing the civilian casualties of the Enrica Lexie incident, DeCharles expressed sympathy for the lives lost yet said this did not sway his stance on the issue. However, “collateral damage” is always a possibility, but "owners must have the right to protect their crews, cargoes and vessels; otherwise they open themselves to lawsuits. Furthermore, owners need indemnification in light of situations such as that of the Enrica Lexie.”

Will Watson, of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator, said the RMI Registry has established guidelines for shipowners wishing to hire armed personnel. Operators are urged to communicate with the RMI Registry in advance of voyages through the High Risk Area to ensure they are observing Best Management Practices (BMP4) and adhering to guidance found in the Marine Notices issued by the Maritime Administrator. The Maritime Administrator may issue a letter of authorization / non-objection to embark privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) although caution is urged both in choosing to embark PCASP and in complying with various laws and regulations being imposed by port and littoral coastal states, as well as by the Suez Canal.

Christine Scavella of the Bahamas Maritime Authority, which signed the Washington Declaration at the conference, said their organization collaborates with the national police to ensure that clients wishing to use armed guards were doing so responsibly. She said that the Bahamas realized that owners were making the difficult decision to use armed guards and it was prepared to facilitate this self-protection measure through use of the provisions of existing national law in conjunction with observance of guidelines issued by it and the International Maritime Organization.

If your registry would like to share its position on armed guards with our readers please feel free to let us know.