Written question asked by Lord Astor of Hever (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Adonis (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 December 2009.

Piracy

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which the civil maritime industry is encouraging British-flagged ships and ships owned by companies based in the United Kingdom to take measures to protect themselves from piracy.

Answer: The civil maritime industry takes the threat of piracy very seriously and is working with the UK Government to revise the Marine Guidance Note 298 on counterpiracy, through the DfT-led National Maritime Security Committee (NMSC). Industry representatives have also recently updated the Best Management Practice to Deter Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Coast of Somalia (BMP) and have ensured that advice and guidance is widely circulated, encouraging its adoption by both UK and non-UK flagged ships. An increase in the numbers of reports to the UK Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO Dubai) from ships transiting through, and reports of pirate activity in, the Gulf of Aden region illustrates that industry is both aware of, and following, the above guidance.

Secondary information