AMO Currents - Coast Guard issues anti-piracy directive for U.S.-flagged vessels

AMO Currents - Posted: May 14, 2009

Coast Guard issues anti-piracy directive for U.S.-flagged vessels

The U.S. Coast Guard this week issued a maritime security directive requiring certain U.S.-flagged vessels to establish vessel security plans that include protocols for dealing with terrorism, piracy and armed robbery against ships by May 25.

According to Maritime Security Directive 104-6, prior to entering high-risk waters, U.S.-flagged vessels should establish anti-piracy plans that include the hardening of rigging and the operation of vessels in a manner to prevent attacks and subsequent boarding. A Coast Guard press release detailing these and other aspects of the directive is available online.