Maritime security
If you are trading through the Gulf of Aden or Indian Ocean you will be familiar with the BIMCO GUARDCON contract which is now the industry standard agreement for the use of armed guards on board vessels. You may not be so sure of how that applies off West Africa or what insurances are required.
Maritime Security Law
The UK like other countries has a strict licensing system imposed through the Export Control Order 2008 and the Firearms Act 1968 which maritime security companies must adhere to when buying weapons and moving them between countries. We are used to working with industry bodies on these issues and understand the regulatory framework governing the use and deployment of weapons and their storage in, for example, floating armouries. We have dealt with conflicts and issues arising from both.
In Stephen Askins we have someone who was involved in the drafting of GUARDCON which is now the most used BIMCO standard contract. We can advise on contractual and liability issues that may arise.
We advise owners on the legal issues that may arise and the Private Maritime Security Companies who provide security to commercial shipping as well as floating armouries. Indeed, our team were heavily involved in acting for the “Chennai 6” who were wrongfully imprisoned in India and released after 4 years in November 2017.
