CHEAP, but improperly trained armed guards have shot at, killed and wounded fishermen who were only suspected pirates, according to Switzerland's Marine Risk Management Ltd, whose CEO issued a demand that "disputable" security contractors be shut down by authorities.
There are 207 firms providing shipboard armed guards, of which fewer than 20 can be called "reputable", said Marine Risk CEO John Dalby, who is also a spokesman for the International Association of Maritime Security Professionals (IAMSP), a would-be licensing or classification body "offering" accreditation to "professionals able to demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, experience and able to abide by the IAMSP Code of Conduct".
Said Capt Dalby: "We now find ourselves in a situation where many are offering discounted rates - often 50 per cent of the scale being charged. Standards - never very high - are declining.
"Because of their illegal status there is little or no communication with the naval authorities, including coastguard, airborne and medical resources. They are also lacking the necessary logistical support and financial resources," he said of the competition.
"Unfortunately, this situation is exacerbated by shipowners whose only consideration is price, thus encouraging this damaging cost-cutting," he said.
But Captain Dalby said naval forces have "too few floating assets with too great an ocean to cover" while costing billions even at this inadequate level.
In terms of what can be done to remedy this situation is already in place, he said. "Regrettably, it is being largely ignored by governments, industry bodies, insurers and shipowners. "