Rules of engagement in focus at Marine Risk Forum

The deaths of two Indian fishermen at the hands of crack marines highlights the lack of clear guidelines on the rules of engagement in conflict situations, reports shipping news provider TradeWinds.  Peter Cook, head of maritime security association SAMI says he hoped the incident would “raise the profile and need for clear rules on the use and force.” 

To address the issue, a timely session at TradeWinds’ annual gathering for the marine insurance industry, will explore the relationship between shipowners, their insurers and the deployment of armed guards. Forum organizer, Jon Chaplin commented, “The increasing use of armed guards on ships is raising many questions, not least what constitutes a good armed guard, and who is in a position to say? Our session will to help shipowners and risk managers determine the best course of action when considering exactly how armed guards and other counter piracy measures should be deployed. ”

Chaired by ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe, the session looks in detail at how underwriters determine risk pricing, vessel hardening techniques, the deployment of armed guards and new developments in contracts between guards and shipowners. 

The Forum will hear a shipowners perspective towards anticipating and countering pirate attacks from Rob Twell, Quality, Safety & Security Manager, UK Fleet of CMA Ships and Gary Skjoldmose-Porter, Corporate Security Manager & CSO of Clipper Goup.  Current thinking on contracts will be jointly presented by Stephen Atkins, Partner with law firm Ince & Co and Giles Noakes, Chief Security Officer of shipowner’s organization BIMCO.

The organizers have put together an extensive panel of discussion leaders including Dom Mee, President of PVI, Panos G. Moraitis, CEO of Aspida Maritime Security, John Thompson Director of Ambrey Risk, Peter Cook of SAMI, James Fenech of Fieldsports – Firearms – Ammunition, Capt P Mukundan, Director of ICC International Maritime Bureau and Chris Trelawny, Deputy Director, Sub Division for Maritime Security and Facilitation, Maritime Safety Division of IMO.

The TradeWinds Marine Risk Forum takes place at the Corinthia Hotel in London on May 9^th – 10^th. It is initially sponsored by Aspida Maritime Security, Raets Marine,Shoreline,The American Club and PL Ferrari .