Tag: armed guards

Re authorization of arms on board, employment of armed guards on board and use of firearms The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) have recently updated their table on Flag State rules for the use of armed guards on board vessels. The table contains a comparison of Flag State laws on armed guards and arms on board, including a summary of the authorization of arms on board and the employment of private armed guards on board as well as the use of firearms (possession of weapons on board and security personnel), terms and conditions, national official guidance and other commentaries per each Flag State.You may view the updated table by clicking below:

The latest security advisory for Nigeria issued by the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) effectively renders the use of armed guards commercially placed on merchant vessels illegal

The Skuld P&I Club informs shipowners to be aware that a disagreement is going on between the Nigerian army and the Nigerian marine police

As more and more ships navigating piracy-prone waters turn to armed guards for protection, a new set of ISO guidelines for maritime security companies will help ensure the reliability and safety of this response.

Ambrey Risk Training has now been accredited by Manipal City & Guilds to deliver Maritime Security Operative (MSO) 8269 - 03 courses in India. This allows Ambrey to provide City &Guilds certified courses to its Indian MSO's

In 2012, Denmark amended its Act on armed guards on board Danish ships. Until then, only the State could arrange for armed protection on ships but now, legislation opened up for private guards.

France will allow private armed security guards on board vessels, according to government statement.

Flag State Laws on Armed Guards and Arms on board: New table produced by ICS and ECSA

The use of private armed guards has increased in the recent years and has become a necessity for shipowners to ensure a safe passage through the risky waters of the Gulf of Aden.

When are the guards allowed to shoot? And what happens after they have fired shots?