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Drone strikes spark armed security rethink

Houthi drone attacks have upended rules of engagement standards for private security, prompting calls for a rapid rethink on training and use of force

Two separate cases of armed security on board ships, both targeted by uncrewed surface vessels, have highlighted the inconsistent approach to use of force and sparked calls for a comprehensive review of private security protocols

THE increasing frequency of drone boat attacks targeting ships requires a rapid reappraisal of armed security protocols, according to several senior private and government sector security experts. 

Confusion amongst some private security teams regarding appropriate levels of force to repel unmanned surface vessels has resulted in hesitant responses from some armed guards.

The inconsistent levels of preparedness between security teams last week prompted the Indian government to issue a circular calling for a comprehensive review of private armed security protocols and the training required to deal with the specific threat posed by drone boats.

 

 

That call has been welcomed by several security company officials, who have privately raised concerns regarding the unreliable quality of training among some contracted security personnel.

The evolving threat of drone attacks has upended the accepted standards regarding use of force, which had previously considered both insurance implications and the human rights of anyone potentially imperilled by the use of force by armed guards.

“We’ve now entered a different situation where unmanned systems pose a critical threat to those lives on board the vessel, and so that requires a rethinking and recalibration of use of force in order to actually protect the lives of people on board,” said IR Consilium consultancy chief executive Ian Ralby.

While India’s circular, distributed by the Directorate General of Shipping on July 20, was initially only intended to highlight concerns regarding private security training standards, Lloyd’s List understands that India is considering a wider push to review both private security protocols and floating armouries, potentially via a submission to the International Maritime Organization

This government-led initiative follows two recent examples where private security teams were videoed taking two dramatically different approaches to visible incoming drone attacks. 

In the June 12 case of Liberia-flagged bulker Tutor (IMO: 9942627) armed security team members were filmed watching the incoming USV, confused as to what response to take. No shots were fired by guards in the video footage.

The attack ultimately killed a Filipino second engineer and forced the crew to abandon the sinking ship.

On July 20, an armed security team on board another Liberia-flagged ship, the 2006-built, 5,060 teu Pumba (IMO: 9302566), was filmed successfully firing upon an incoming unmanned skiff, causing it to explode before it reached the ship. A missile was also exploded five metres off the starboard side. 

“It wasn’t a matter of training, it was a matter of understanding the threat,” said security firm Marisks chief executive Dimitris Maniatis.

The rules of engagement with armed attackers is very different to the prospect of firing at a boat without being able to immediately verify if it is crewed or uncrewed. The legal risk of killing someone, not in self defence is something drilled into all private security. 

“When somebody is firing at us, the guards fire back. Nobody’s going to go to prison. But if nothing is firing at you, the guards will think very hard before they act,” said Maniatis.

“We need to change the training and we need a change in the culture. We have been in a passive mode for very long time and we need to adapt quickly to this new threat”.
Indian government insiders have confirmed that last week’s circular was prompted by widespread concerns regarding the case of Tutor

“Despite the presence of privately contracted armed security personnel on board, video footage of the attack suggests a lack of response as the USV approached the vessel. This raises important questions about the efficacy and training standards of some private maritime security providers,” explained the circular.

While India has a long history of raising concerns about private security standards inside the IMO, government officials insist that they accept the vital role that security companies play in securing trade lanes. 

“But the Red Sea attacks bring their own dynamics, which require improved security preparedness, enhanced awareness, and a quick response, which were unfortunately lacking on the aforementioned vessel,” explained a government official involved in the review.

India also has a direct interest in any review of armed security protocols, given that an estimated 70% of private security contractors operating today are thought to be Indian nationals, many of them previous Indian navy personnel.

The largest private security firms employ and train their own armed guards who are heavily vetted and highly trained, but many firms regularly take on contracted guards from pools of external suppliers. While all will be licenced with the appropriate training certificates, security firms acknowledge that there are significant differences in experience levels and it is difficult to guarantee that all guards are fully training on their specific standard operating procedures.

 

 

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