By
Michele Witthaus |
The UK Government has changed the rules on employment of armed guards to protect against attack by pirates.
The updated guidance issued on 6 December states that UK-registered vessels will be able to employ armed guards to defend themselves against pirates in exceptional circumstances.
Ship owners will be required to carry out risk assessments and seek advice on the selection of private security companies. They will also have to submit detailed counter-piracy plans to the Department for Transport in advance.
Shipping Minister Mike Penning said: “Modern pirates are dangerous, organised criminals who have shown they are not shy of using violence to achieve their goals. We have not taken this decision lightly...By allowing the use of armed guards in a structured, legal framework we can move to a system where ship owners can provide an adequate deterrent against this scourge on the maritime industry.”
The new rules will require any private security company employed to put armed guards onboard UK ships to obtain authorisation from the Home Office for the possession of prohibited firearms. The Home Office and police will also carry out checks into the security company and its personnel before an authorisation is granted.