NU Online News Service, May 13, 3:00 p.m. EDT
The Coast Guard has ordered that by May 25, U.S.-flagged vessels that sail in "high-risk waters" must develop anti-piracy plans for keeping watch and evading pirate attacks that have sent maritime insurance rates soaring.
The announcement of the maritime security directive yesterday said plans should include maintaining "a vigilant anti-piracy watch," increased speed, erratic maneuvering, cooperation with military patrol vessels in the area and hardening of rigging.
The directive calls for many procedures already employed by many vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa danger zone.
Peter Townsend, executive director for the Aon insurance brokerage marine division, in an interview last month mentioned that ships have been running at full speed, wrapping their sides with razor wire, posting constant lookouts, and have prepared to fend off boarders with sonic-bang devices and fire hoses.
However, he said then that ship owners generally would not want to use armed security to fight off pirates equipped with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons that could damage vessels and imperil the lives of crew.
According to Aon, vessel insurance rates have increased tenfold as pirate attacks have escalated, and ship owners could be paying $30,000 in premiums for $3 million in kidnap and ransom protection for one voyage through the Gulf of Aden.
The Coast Guard directive states that during transit through high-risk areas, "it is the ship's responsibility to maintain a vigilant anti-piracy watch and ensure all shipboard anti-piracy precautions are in force."
Shippers were told to have vessel security plans to deal with "terrorism, piracy and armed robbery against ships," and further specific risk-based measures are required for vessels transiting in the Horn of Africa and Gulf of Aden high-risk waters.
All vessel security plans "to deter, detect or disrupt piracy" must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Rear Adm. Brian Salerno, assistant commandant for marine safety, security and stewardship, said in a statement that piracy presents "a multifaceted threat" to shippers and crews, the United States and its international partners.
"The Coast Guard has a unique role to play in response to this threat and we remain committed to working with our governmental, defense and industry partners to bring pirates to justice and to help provide for the safety of mariners upon the high seas."
One Somali pirate is currently facing trial in the United States following the U.S. Navy's successful intervention last month and rescue of ship's captain Richard Phillips during an attempted hijacking of a Maersk line vessel.
The Coast Guard announcement noted that its law enforcement detachments and cutters are currently working with the U.S. Navy boarding teams as part of Combined Task Force 151 and four operations have led to "the apprehension of 30 suspected pirates."
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