Shipowners should not get private security to protect their vessels against pirates but should leave their protection to the government, a special committee has concluded. The proposal has angered the shipowners, who say it’s impractical and needlessly complicated.

Merchant shipping, the committee proposes, should get temporary military protection. Committee chair Joan de Wijkerslooth:

“We're not saying private security is not allowed. All we're saying is: don't start there. Under current circumstances, it’s much easier for the defence ministry to deploy people, on a temporary basis, for example from private security firms. These people can then be sent along, with the status of temporary soldiers.”

Impractical
Tineke Netelenbos, who represents the Dutch shipowners, dismisses the proposal as impractical.
“The government should certify certain private security firms and see to it that shipowners only use those that are certified. That's much more practical than the current roundabout proposal, which is going to cause a lot of red tape at the defence ministry."

Heavy weapons
Pirates, the committee maintains, can only be deterred with heavy automatic weapons. Temporary soldiers are allowed to use such weaponry, but private security guards are not. That would require changing the law, which would take two or three years. “Does that help the shipowners now? It doesn’t” De Wijkerslooth warns.

The past few years have seen 250 Dutch requests for additional security. Only a few dozen have been granted. Despite the constant threats, no Dutch ships have been attacked by Somali pirates. De Wijkerslooth says he understands the shipowners’ worries.

“Currently, ships sail in convoys or make illegal use of private security guards. That’s not the idea: if something goes wrong, shit will hit the fan.”

Europe-wide headache
Defence Minister Hans Hillen reacted by saying:

“It’s important that the committee has concluded that the use of force is something for the government to coordinate. But our talks with the shipowners are excellent and we also provide them with marines. So I trust we’ll work things out.”

Other EU countries are facing the same problem. But Norway does allow private security firms to protect ships. De Wijkerslooth:

“There are a few countries that do. I know German politicians are beginning to consider the option too. But then it has to go to the cabinet, and after that it has to become law.”

Most of the pirates threatening the ships come from Somalia. Are talks being held with Somalia about this? De Wijkerslooth:

“No, talks with Somalia are not an option now. The country no longer has a functioning administration, none at all. And even if they really wanted to do something about it, they simply lack the capacity. They have no normal infrastructure. So it’s of no use.”

Pirates tried in the Netherlands
Five Somali pirates captured by the Dutch navy in November 2010 were tried in the Netherlands in August 2011. They were found guilty of hijacking a South African yacht and sentenced to prison terms ranging between 4½ and 7 years. South Africa refused to try the suspects.

(cl/imm)

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