All industry participants will be well aware of the difficulties caused by the recent flourishing of piracy in the western Indian Ocean and elsewhere. A whole vessel security industry continues to grow, particularly in Dubai, as a result. In recent times, minds have turned to consider the liabilities and consequent legal and insurance issues arising out of the employment – or otherwise – of security personnel on board vessels. Recent incidents involving the “FairChem Bogey” (taken from a waiting anchorage at Salalah) and “Enrica Lexie” (Indian fishermen allegedly killed by security personnel) have served to concentrate industry minds further.

BIMCO has been admirably quick in responding to industry concerns. On 28th March, after a gestation period of a little over three months, GUARDCON has been published as an industry standard Contract for the Employment of Security Guards on Vessels.

For further details, please see the recent Client Alert prepared by Adam Morgan, partner in Reed Smith’s Dubai office.