FROM
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT ISF DIVISION
66.09.1993 15:59
P. 2
RED ENSIGN GROUP CONFERENCE PIRACY BRIEFING: AGENDA ITEM 6d
Background
1. IMO REPORT ON MALACCA STRAIT AREA This is a report by an IMO working group looking into piracy in the Malacca Strait area. It was set up in response to increasing attacks coupled with a general rise in the level of violence used. Their aim was to identify further inter-governmental measures to combat the
to combat the problem. The recommendations of the report were to be applicable to all areas affected by piracy.
2. The main recommendations of the report are as follows:
(1) The reporting of incidents by ships is paramount, both for monitoring trends and formulating effective policy.
(ii) The littoral states should continue and develop their co-ordinated patrolling of the area and develop the methods used.
(111) Ship owners should follow the guidance issued in British Merchant Shipping Notice no. M1517.
(iv) Because of the density of traffic passing through the Strait and hence the potential for major disaster, the Safety of Navigation sub-committee of IMO should consider the need for additional traffic separaration schemes and/or other routing measures in the Strait.
(v) The Maritime Safety Committee of IMO should emphasise the need for proper training of key personnel in communication procedures to ensure that the procedures followed in response to an attack are effective.
Piracy in the South China Sea
3. There is also a recognised problem of piracy in the South China Sea, causing concern to states bordering the area. These attacks tend to be of a more violent nature than elsewhere.
4. Attacks in this area are politically sensitive as there is some concern about the involvement of the Chinese authorities. The latest report form the IMB regional piracy centre in Kuala Lumpur suggests that the Chinese may have extended the geographical coverage of their interception campaign against vessels suspected of smuggling.
Line to take
IMO.
UK supports the recommendations of the IMO report.
UK should urge Red Ensign states to support action through
UK should emphasise the need for better reporting of incidents.