US Congress moves to arm ships against pirates
The US House Transportation Committee has approved a landmark act which authorises armed security on vessels carrying government cargo, ifw-net reports.
The aim is to protect equipment, materials, or commodities from piracy in high-risk waters.
Owners or operators of these vessels will be reimbursed by the US government for the cost of providing armed personnel.
The Piracy Suppression Act of 2011 also provides training for seafarers on the use of force against pirates, including firearms safety for crew members of vessels carrying government cargo.
The bill also says the US will seek reimbursement from the country of origin for the cost of any action taken to protect “foreign-flagged” ship from pirates. The purpose is to encourage other countries to support efforts to suppress piracy, such as joining the Combined Maritime Forces, a coalition of naval forces from around the world.
“Many nations are reaping the benefits of our presence without pulling their own weight,” said Congressman Frank LoBiondo, who introduced the bill.
“To rectify this situation, my legislation allows the US to seek reimbursement from vessel flag states for the protection they receive from the US military.”
The Piracy Suppression Act of 2011 now moves on to the full House for consideration.
Earlier this year, IFW reported how pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden/Indian Ocean region had climbed dramatically over the first six months of 2011.
According to figures from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), there were 266 attacks on vessels in the period, compared with 196 last year.
More than 60% were by Somali pirates, the majority of which were in the Arabian Sea area. On 30 June, Somali pirates were holding 20 vessels and 420 crew, demanding ransoms of millions of dollars for their release.
The aim is to protect equipment, materials, or commodities from piracy in high-risk waters.
Owners or operators of these vessels will be reimbursed by the US government for the cost of providing armed personnel.
The Piracy Suppression Act of 2011 also provides training for seafarers on the use of force against pirates, including firearms safety for crew members of vessels carrying government cargo.
The bill also says the US will seek reimbursement from the country of origin for the cost of any action taken to protect “foreign-flagged” ship from pirates. The purpose is to encourage other countries to support efforts to suppress piracy, such as joining the Combined Maritime Forces, a coalition of naval forces from around the world.
“Many nations are reaping the benefits of our presence without pulling their own weight,” said Congressman Frank LoBiondo, who introduced the bill.
“To rectify this situation, my legislation allows the US to seek reimbursement from vessel flag states for the protection they receive from the US military.”
The Piracy Suppression Act of 2011 now moves on to the full House for consideration.
Earlier this year, IFW reported how pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden/Indian Ocean region had climbed dramatically over the first six months of 2011.
According to figures from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), there were 266 attacks on vessels in the period, compared with 196 last year.
More than 60% were by Somali pirates, the majority of which were in the Arabian Sea area. On 30 June, Somali pirates were holding 20 vessels and 420 crew, demanding ransoms of millions of dollars for their release.