Indian Owner Demands

Indian ship owners want to use of armed guards on board their vessels.

The Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA) has insisted as “a first option for armed Naval guards from the flag states”.

If not possible then they insist that Indian ship owners be permitted to employ armed private guards, though they have also been quick to recognise the need to ensure that any private security appointments or contracts will only be made with due regards to selection of a reputable company through due diligence.

The issue of the control of private maritime security providers will be debated at  the IMO in May as part of the Maritime Safety Committee programme.