US and IMO clash over use of force against pirates

Political tension is growing between the US and the rest of the world over the use of force against pirates. More US-flagged ships are using armed guards, with the blessing of both the navy and the federal government, which is strongly discouraged by most other members of the International Maritime Organisation. Following an attack on the US-flagged Maersk Alabama, in which armed guards on the ship returned fire and repelled the attack, a US admiral said. “This is a great example of how merchant mariners can take proactive action to prevent being attacked.” The Alabama was hijacked earlier this year but retaken by the crew. US Navy marksmen later shot dead the pirates who were holding the captain hostage. In sharp contrast to the gung-ho US policy, the IMO urges caution. "Flag states should strongly discourage the carrying and use of firearms by seafarers for personal protection or for the protection of a ship. Carriage of arms on board ship may encourage attackers to carry firearms or even more dangerous weapons, thereby escalating an already dangerous situation. Any firearm on board may itself become an attractive target for an attacker. "The use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships may lead to an escalation of violence. The carriage of such personnel and their weapons is subject to flag State legislation and policies." The IMO is working on the Djibouti Code of Conduct, which it says "aims to establish a cooperation framework that would include information-sharing between regional states and prosecution of suspected pirates." A US security and legal specialist, Dennis Bryant, says ships could take more defensive measures without using armed guards. "The use of lookouts must be increased. There is no reason that pirates should be able to board a ship undetected in high-risk waters such as the Gulf of Aden. If this requires the ship to carry more than the usual number of crew, so be it."