IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is set to take up piracy and armed robbery against ships in their 86th session to be held from May 27 to June 5 at the Organization’s London Headquarters. Part of the IMO Briefing 22/2009 is given below:
Piracy and armed robbery against ships
The MSC will review the latest statistics on piracy and armed robbery against ships, in particular in relation to the situation off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, where ships continue to be attacked and hijacked, despite the concerted efforts of the international community,spearheaded by IMO, navies and the industry, to protect shipping.
The MSC is expected to finalize updated Recommendations to Governments for preventing and suppressing piracy and armed robbery against ships; and Guidance to shipowners and ship operators, shipmasters and crews on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships, taking into account the current trends and practices of the perpetrators with a view to providing advice in cases where seafarers, fishermen and other mariners are kidnapped or held hostage for ransom; and providing advice in cases where naval vessels and military aircraft seek to provide assistance or protection.
A special briefing from those involved in operations to deter and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia, as well as from those affected by the situation, including industry representatives, will be held on Wednesday, 27 May at 4.30. p.m.
Other issues to be discussed during the meeting are:
- Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)
- Goal-based new ship construction standards
- ECDIS and BNWAS to be made mandatory under SOLAS
- SOLAS amendments set for adoption
- Maritime security – voluntary self-assessment scheme to be reviewed
- Revision of the STCW Convention and Code
- Implementation of the revised STCW Convention
- MODU Code 2009 to be approved for adoption by the Assembly
- Code on Alerts and Indicators to be approved for adoption by the Assembly
- FSA Experts Group to review FSA studies
- Capacity-building related to new instruments or amendments
Read more from International Maritime Organization.
Post in MarineBuzz on this day a year before:
81 Year Young Lady Marge Frisch Scuba Dives at Grand Cayman Islands
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Somali Piracy has a specific characteristic.
It is the ONLY Piracy in the World where ship/crew are
kidnapped for ransom.
Thus,dealing and cure has to be also specific.
If IMO is unable to force powerfull countries to render
pirates a good lesson,at least extend the war risk area
beyond Longitude 070E,so vessels may safely pass clear.
Do not ask poor seamen who ride a ship to feed their families,to fight/resist the pirates with fire hoses
and bare hands against machine guns and rockets.
Above for IMO’s ears to hear!!!!
Why is IMO and the rest of the world watching as helpless spectators when the Somali pirates have extended their operations as far as 400 miles of Cochin
and 200 miles off Minicoy in India?Is there any vested
intrest to allow piracy to continue??Why are the navies not allowed to seek and destroy the pirates??
IMO pl reply to my questions