Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Piracy off Somalia high on agenda as IMO Maritime Safety Committee meets

IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is to meet at the Organization's London Headquarters for its 86th session from 27 May to 5 June.

The packed agenda includes discussion on piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, the implementation of the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system, the development of goal-based standards for new ship construction and the adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).Piracy and armed robbery against shipsThe MSC will review the latest statistics on piracy and armed robbery against ships, in particular in relation to the situation off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, where ships continue to be attacked and hijacked, despite the concerted efforts of the international community, spearheaded by IMO, navies and the industry, to protect shipping. The MSC is expected to finalize updated Recommendations to Governments for preventing and suppressing piracy and armed robbery against ships; and Guidance to shipowners and ship operators, shipmasters and crews on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships, taking into account the current trends and practices of the perpetrators with a view to providing advice in cases where seafarers, fishermen and other mariners are kidnapped or held hostage for ransom; and providing advice in cases where naval vessels and military aircraft seek to provide assistance or protection.
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