Taiwan and the EU have increased anti-piracy cooperation following repeated seizures of ROC-registered fishing vessels in the Indian Ocean, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan Today reports.
One such measure involves the EU authorizing Taiwan to translate and distribute to its fishing fleet the latest edition of “Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy.”
Launched last August by major international shipping associations, the guidelines are designed to help shipping companies, captains and crews avoid, deter or delay piracy attacks in high-risk areas such as the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
James K.J. Lee, deputy director-general of MOFA’s Department of European Affairs, said the guidelines are proving extremely effective, with no reported seizures of vessels prepared in accordance with practices outlined in the document.
“The guidelines recommend operators use razor wire and water cannons to defend their vessels,” he said. “These steps have contributed to thwarting boardings and beating off pirates.”
The MOFA and Fisheries Agency may also discuss the possibility of allowing contractors to provide security for Taiwan fishing vessels, Lee said, adding that this was common practice adopted by EU members.
Under ROC law, the carrying of weapons on Taiwan’s private or commercial vessels is forbidden.
Lee said that another successful initiative is the inclusion of Taiwan in EU anti-piracy real-time reporting networks such as the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations.
“Since the second half of last year, Taiwan fishing boats have been able to access information around the clock on pirate movement,” he said. “This has been integral in helping them steer clear of risky areas.”
One such measure involves the EU authorizing Taiwan to translate and distribute to its fishing fleet the latest edition of “Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy.”
Launched last August by major international shipping associations, the guidelines are designed to help shipping companies, captains and crews avoid, deter or delay piracy attacks in high-risk areas such as the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
James K.J. Lee, deputy director-general of MOFA’s Department of European Affairs, said the guidelines are proving extremely effective, with no reported seizures of vessels prepared in accordance with practices outlined in the document.
“The guidelines recommend operators use razor wire and water cannons to defend their vessels,” he said. “These steps have contributed to thwarting boardings and beating off pirates.”
The MOFA and Fisheries Agency may also discuss the possibility of allowing contractors to provide security for Taiwan fishing vessels, Lee said, adding that this was common practice adopted by EU members.
Under ROC law, the carrying of weapons on Taiwan’s private or commercial vessels is forbidden.
Lee said that another successful initiative is the inclusion of Taiwan in EU anti-piracy real-time reporting networks such as the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations.
“Since the second half of last year, Taiwan fishing boats have been able to access information around the clock on pirate movement,” he said. “This has been integral in helping them steer clear of risky areas.”