We can supply experienced, cohesive units capable of an organised defence for your shipping.  We have people with the necessary maritime and military backgrounds to provide a secure service.

Piracy - a growth industry of our times. 

Defence against piracy has case law history from long before codified law existed.  In the times of sailing ships when Britannia 'ruled the waves' piracy was seen by some as a legitimate form of either waging war, or seizing the wealth of another nation.  Private agreements were reached with host nations and ports, for a proportion of the wealth seized.

This is not far different from the current situation in area's such as Somalia, where, for a 'cut' of the profits pirates are permitted to operate.  They may also be the biggest earners for the country.

The old Maritime laws of defence of your shipping can also be invoked.  The right of defence, when in fear of your life.  Armed resistance.

The considerations include being in international waters, or territorial waters of a lawless state.  What flag you sale under, and any application of law from the Country of registration, any specific UN guidelines that may limit your actions and what ports you are sailing to.

The need for armed defence of shipping has been recognised by many, including the US Coast Guard, in discussion papers.  Many nations are contributors to multinational forces combating piracy.

But as a further point, a Captain would be well advised to generally secure arms well, when in a neutral port. 

At this time there is no credible threat whilst in most ports, therefore the posting of armed guards may not be justified (this is a risk management matter).

Armed security is a risk management consideration.  The identified hazard is pirates.  The risks associated with this hazard are a ship and crew being seized by pirates, to be later ransomed.  The risk to the health and safety of the crew.  The loss of a ship. The loss of cargo.  The loss of time.  The increase in insurance premiums.  The cost of negotiations.  The cost of ransoms.  Costs associated with the failure to meet timeframes and contracts.  Damage to the name of the Company.

The total financial costs associated with this hazard are extreme.  What is it worth to avoid this cost?  Armed security on vessels is there to negate the threat.  To date no armed vessel has been seized by the Somali pirates.

At this time in your consideration you would need to establish the objective of placing armed security on a ship.

The obvious objective would be 'To prevent the illegal seizure of a crew, ship or cargo.'  I would note that the crew is placed first.  Human life is paramount, when looking at armed defence.  Reasonable force in defence of human life includes use of deadly force.

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