Subscribe to RSS feedUS Coast Guard orders new security regime in piracy battle
Operators of US-flagged ships sailing off the Horn of Africa will be required to post security guards on board under a beefed-up maritime security regime introduced by the US Coast Guard.
US to beef up security on its ships
However individual shipping companies will make the final decision as to whether the security teams will be armed.
The US Coast Guard this week introduced a new maritime security directive in the aftermath of piracy attacks on US-flagged vessels Maersk Alabama and Liberty Sun off Somalia last month.
The directive requires that US-flagged companies submit amended vessel security plans to the agency for approval covering proposing measures in place to deter terrorism, piracy and armed robbery against ships.
The plans are to be submitted for review by May 25.
The directive contains an annex which lays down “further specific measures required for vessels transiting in the Horn of Africa and Gulf of Aden high risk waters”.
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