Wow, this is quite the story. Here is a Dutch company pleading with their government for them to authorize the use of private armed security on their ships. We are talking about the basic right of self defense here, and their government does not support this.
It also shows the kind of urgency that companies are experiencing. As more shipping companies contract armed security for their vessels, the pirates will be forced to focus their attention on unarmed or minimally armed vessels. If they know that certain flagged vessels are not allowed to have armed guards, well then guess who the pirates will attack?
Now I also wanted to mention another trend that is going on out there that must be looked at. If you are the owner of a shipping company and are wanting to contract the services of a PSC or PNC, then you need to make sure that this team is in fact armed sufficiently to defend your vessel. Shotguns loaded with bird shot or old bolt action rifles are not sufficient weapons to defeat PKM’s, AK 47’s, or RPG’s–the preferred weapons of today’s pirates.
The reason why I mention this is that I am hearing reports from security contractors that are actually armed with such pathetic weapons, all because the company does not want to invest in sufficient fire power or are unwilling to go through the hoops to get that stuff. To top it off, the companies are just throwing the weapons overboard before they come into port to avoid any legal problems. That has got to change, because if the ‘armed’ maritime security industry wants to maintain it’s excellent protection record on this seaborne battlefield, it must have sufficient weapons and arming authority.
Nor is having a couple of Glocks on a boat sufficient.(I am still shaking my head on that one, yet they still repelled the assault) Nor is having a total dependence on less than lethal munitions as a deterrence the right strategy. In this arms race on the sea, a team must have the tools necessary to repel an enemy assault. Current reports suggest that pirates are not using shotguns loaded with bird shot, bolt action rifles, or pistols. They are using the big stuff, and they have plenty of money to buy the big stuff.(thanks to all of these ransoms that are paid out)
I have also heard of companies poorly treating their security guards, or paying them a wage that is not the industry standard. What kind of folks do you think a company attracts when they pay so poorly? You be the judge, and I wouldn’t want that kind of force protecting a natural gas tanker/chemical tanker, or millions of dollars in boat and cargo. You pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Basically, there are companies out there that are providing guard forces that are low paid and insufficiently armed and equipped. A shipping company that is shopping around for a guard force must really get into the details of what a sufficient guard force is. They need to look at the operational history of that company, they need to look at the weapons and equipment used, the strategies and tactics used, and most importantly, they need to look at the reputation of that company. A great way to shop is to actually ask the contracted guard force what they think of their company or their operational capabilities. Or you can ask some of the larger trade groups that deal with security contractors, and get some suggestions that way. Do not trust the slick sales tactics of shady companies who do not have the courage or desire to do things right.
The point is, you get what you pay for. If you picked a security company because they were the cheapest, then doom on you. If your vessel gets taken by pirates, or your crew is hurt/killed because of a poorly armed, poorly paid and poorly organized guard force, then that is your fault! Of course you want to look at pricing for this stuff, but you also want the best value guard force that money can buy. Do the research and find the companies that are capable.
There are also no CORS or contracting officers overseeing your decisions. There is nothing to force you to use a capable guard force. Although you are private industry, and should care about money well spent.
Oh, and you can certainly bet that the pirates will judge your choices and make you pay in blood and treasure for your poor investment in security…. –Matt
Sea transport firm may drop Dutch flag over piracy rules
June 8, 2011
Dual Dutch-Norwegian listed ocean transport company Dockwise has warned the Netherlands it will sail its vessels under a different flag unless it is allowed private guards to fend off pirates.
The company said in a statement on Tuesday it was making an urgent appeal to the Dutch government to remove some legal barriers to allow for armed private protection to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Piracy has emerged as a major security risk for maritime firms, with the European Union saying the first three months of 2011 were the worst on record with 77 attacks and hijackings, up from 36 in the same period of 2010.
But the use of defensive military force at sea remains largely the preserve of states which are often reluctant to allow modern-day cargo ships, with their often multinational crews and ownership structures, to use weapons.
Andre Goedee, chief executive of Dockwise, said the company, an oil and gas provider, was vulnerable and should be allowed by the Dutch government to have armed private security contractors on its ships as other nations allow.
“In the interest of our employees and because of the increasing pressure from the industry itself, we may be forced to seek other alternatives, such as bringing the vessels under a different jurisdiction and flag, if regulations are not adapted quickly,” Goedee said.
“We would regret having to take such a decision, but we are left with no choice should the Dutch government remain idle.”
The protection of vessels by armed escort vessels contracted by the cargo’s owner can be a solution in isolated cases, but many cargo owners are unable or not prepared to contract private security companies, Dockwise said.
The company said private security was a short-term solution, and a long-term solution should include better prosecution and imprisonment of pirates and coordinated attacks on their mother vessels. (Reporting by Greg Roumeliotis; editing by Elizabeth Piper)
Story here.
This is a disappointing decision from a country that has historically had a maritime culture which is closely integrated into mainstream society. My guess is there are concerns about prosecution of shipowners or crew members. The IMO’s recent circular concerning PCASP will likely act as a catalyst for actions which will divide the industry into two groups; armed and unarmed. Unfortunately, in some cases it seems like these decisions are based on legal risks founded in domestic precedent rather than admiralty law.
If you think a security force armed with “disposable” rusty a-bolts is bad consider entering a high risk zone when your vessel is equipped with a $25,000 (US) pneumatic golf ball cannon that is coming to market next month!
Comment by Paul Bruno — Wednesday, June 8, 2011 @ 3:36 PM
Good article! Describes to the teeth the PNC I use to work for.
Comment by anonymous — Wednesday, June 8, 2011 @ 4:42 PM
Good article! Describes to the teeth the last PNC I worked for.
Comment by Guest — Wednesday, June 8, 2011 @ 4:46 PM
Yes Matt, you are right, There is a US registered maritime security company that lets its operators use shotguns, antiquated bolt action rifles and pistols. That is not the only bad thing about it, the company also treat their operators badly by delaying or non payment of their salaries.
I have been with this company since 2010 and decided to leave when they started to delay our salaries and when one of the team lead got imprisoned in Mozambique accused of smuggling arms. Out there in the high seas, fighting Somali pirates is a new ball game for a former land based contractor, but at least when the going gets tough you have a fall back position. Unlike in the high seas, with these company you have to stand your ground with a limited number of team mates, limited number of ammunition and out gunned. Much worse the ocean (whatever part of the piracy high risk area) is so vast you cannot rely on the navies for immediate response.
If only the company would start thinking of their operators by sending them better weapons, more ammunition, working out the weapons issue, sending the pay checks on time, hiring competent office staff, it would be more motivating on the part of the operators (Americans or Filipinos)
For my fellow contractors planning to get involved in anti-piracy, do not make the mistake of applying at this shady company. Its in San Antonio, Texas and headed by an Army Colonel (Reserves) who cannot lift a finger with what his wife wants to do with his company specially finances.
Comment by Basilio DJ De Jesus — Wednesday, June 8, 2011 @ 8:02 PM
A actually saw the shotguns on their website in one of their maritime security pics.
Comment by Jason A — Friday, June 10, 2011 @ 11:12 AM
Thanks to everyone for the comments. My one suggestion to folks that are being poorly treated by a company is to just leave. Do not give your pound of flesh to these poor companies, and you deserve better. The economy is bad, but not worth risking your life with a company that could care less about doing things right. And believe me, word spreads pretty quick in this industry as to what's what with the various companies out there.
Also, the various shipping companies out there should know better. These folks do more research finding good fuel for their boat, than finding and paying the money for good security. All I can say is that you get what you pay for, and there is a reason why that security company is 'the cheapest'.
Comment by Feral Jundi — Wednesday, June 8, 2011 @ 8:50 PM
Hi Matt,
Many governments/companies think they can solve the problem by taking a knife to a gunfight. This short-sighted view which is aimed at protecting the human rights of the pirates is laughable at best.
Sadly though, there are also some companies that think that they ought to treat those they use to provide protection to ships like dirt.
It is time that governments and the industry woke up and approached this entire debacle with more seriousness. These actions are conducted by criminals who have long ago decided to abandon considering the human rights of their victims.
Rgds,
Eeben
Comment by Eeben — Wednesday, June 8, 2011 @ 11:54 PM
Amen to that Eeben!
When I read this stuff, I just shake my head. Although what is nice about these new media platforms we have called 'blogs', is that common sense and doing the right thing can be communicated.
Now hopefully these poor companies will smarten up, that contractors will make better choices and not reward poor companies with their service, and the shipping industry will actually take some responsibility for their security investments.
Not one human life should be at the mercy of these animals. Every human killed or wounded by these pirates, is one more tragic reminder as to how brutal these pirates are. We need capable and professional security companies leading the way here, and we need the shipping companies and countries to get serious about doing this right.
The alternative is piracy becomes worse, more lives are lost, and commerce is strained. To quote Woodes Rogers, we need 'Expulsis Piratus/Restituta Commerica', and I want this industry to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Comment by Feral Jundi — Thursday, June 9, 2011 @ 12:48 AM