Seafarers left to handle pirates on their own
All efforts to eliminate piracy have failed to yield pragmatic results. The observations by International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on Piracy is that the “on going piracy and armed robbery attacks have been on the increase and are becoming more violent and audacious”. This was conveyed by Jim Mainstone, Head of Intelligence and Risk, Gray Page, U.K during his visit to Mumbai on 7th April, 2010 to hold discussions with representatives of the Indian shipping industry, manning companies and the seafarers’ union.
Earlier the Seafarers’ International Union of North America (SIU), Nautilus International, All Japan Seamen’s Union and the National Union of Seafarers of India have been contemplating on a joint action to boycott vessels traversing pirate infested areas. But good sense prevailed and according to sources it was felt that cutting the nose to spite the face was not the right approach because pirates in their desperation could cast their nets far and wide and instead of containment, the virus could propagate worldwide.
Whenever the issue of piracy is discussed it has become customary to point out the failure of many countries to ratify the IMO’s 1988 Convention for Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the safety of Navigation being the reason which often prevents criminals from being brought to justice. As a result piracy and armed robbery has become the scourge of today’shipping industry.
Unfortunately the buck has stopped with the seafarers. According to Mr Mainstone the ship staffs have been advised to employ Best Management Practices (BMP) to avoid and deter piracy attacks or delay successful attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.
Seafarers are directed to be in constant contact with UKMTO Dubai, use additional private security guards (though not recommended,) enhance watch-keeping, use of thermal imagers during the night, erect physical defences onboard such as mesh fencing to prevent pirates from hooking their ladders and other special devices.
In the event of pirate trying to board the ship the crew is recommended to use hand-held dazzle devices, turning on water jets, manoeuvre the ship on a zigzag course, and if the attack is imminent the non-essential crew to move to a refuge – strong room.
Speaking on the sidelines of a seminar on manning this morning Capt Boudewijn Baert, Marine Director of Exmar stated, “We had an occasion to use armed guards on our gas tankers while navigating the piracy infected area. But this was at the behest of the ship owner. However, we would not recommend using guards. If there is an exchange of fire there is all likelihood of the cargo exploding. But this problem of piracy is not likely to end soon. Yes if the seafarers have to make frequent trips through piracy areas we fear they will soon refuse sailing on such ships and it may deter persons taking seafaring as a career. ”