Protection for German flagged ships
Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) will start the admission process for private armed security services onboard German flagged ships.
Protection from pirates for ships under German flag
Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) will start admission process for private armed security services
Immediately private security companies from home and abroad can apply for an authorization for use on ships flying the German flag at the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). The new Seeschiffbewachungsverordnung is now in force.
“It is important that the authorization process is for the private security services finally start,” says Ralf Nagel, Executive board member of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR). “The key for shipowners points were considered by the federal government.”
The Regulation contains a number of requirements that must be met by the security company. Any use must be carefully planned and documented. The employees of personal ability and emergency medical and legal knowledge is required. The use of firearms is allowed only for self-defense or emergency assistance.
“The ACFA is now swiftly and professionally go into the approval process,” said Nagel. Because from the first December 2013 may only be exclusively licensed by BAFA guard services are used on ships flying the German flag. “Until then, a sufficient number of suitable companies must be authorized to the German shipowners their crews in the piracy areas and can actually protect,” said Nagel. “So far, still no ship was hijacked by pirates, which was guarded by armed security forces.”
