Floating arsenals designed to protect shipping from pirates deemed unsafe

[jakeXT]

Floating armouries – ships packed to the gunnels with machine-guns, ammunition and other military equipment – are operating in international waters with a "worrying lack" of regulation. A new report has warned that the vessels could pose a threat to "regional peace and stability".

The armouries were set up to supply private security guards employed to protect shipping from pirates, particularly off the East African coast. The report – commissioned by the Remote Control Project, a body that raises awareness of new military trends – said there was an "urgent need" for an international agreement to set minimum standards for the vessels.

It also said there should be frequent safety checks and companies should not be allowed to use flags of convenience issued by nations that have been internationally blacklisted for low maritime standards.

The number of floating armouries is unknown as no international register exists to track them.

The report, written by the Omega Research Foundation think-tank, is being considered by the Government. It lists 33 vessels, but there could be many more. Of the 33, eight sail under the flag of landlocked and blacklisted Mongolia.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/floating-arsenals-designed-to-protect-shipping-from-pirates-deemed-unsafe-9938037.html