HCSS Snapshot – Private guards for private ships: the UK approach to armed maritime security

Authors: Commander RNLN Eric Wilms & Matthew Phillips 

After nearly 10 years of naval deployment in the Indian Ocean to fight Somali piracy, the Dutch parliament is once again discussing the possibility of allowing private armed guards aboard Dutch shipping. This snapshot examines the approach of the UK, which has allowed the use of these guards since 2011 and now boasts the largest maritime security industry in the world. The snapshot considers whether best practices can be adopted for the Dutch situation.

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For a more in-depth analysis of the Dutch case, listen to the podcast with Commander Eric Wilms (in Dutch)

Photo by Defence Images on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND