Cyprus Passes Anti-piracy law

As Cyprus readies itself for Presidency of the European Union, it has launched an extremely welcome piece of counter-piracy legislation.
The Bill, which was adopted by a resounding vote, means that Cyprus is one of the first European Union countries to specifically
Lloyd’s List has referred to it as “the most complete piece of legislation worldwide”. There are many tipping the legislation as a future model for other nations. It has also been hailed as a landmark by Andreas Constantinou, general secretary of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners.

As Cyprus readies itself for Presidency of the European Union, it has launched an extremely welcome piece of counter-piracy legislation.
The Bill, which was adopted by a resounding vote, means that Cyprus is one of the first European Union countries to specifically
Lloyd’s List has referred to it as “the most complete piece of legislation worldwide”. There are many tipping the legislation as a future model for other nations. It has also been hailed as a landmark by Andreas Constantinou, general secretary of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners.
This model and guidance in the fight against piracy is a pioneering piece of legislation, which was established to lawfully the use of armed escorts by specially trained and certified guards.
The new law further underlines the authority of the master and forbids armed guards to use their weapons without his explicit order or permission. It also lays down reporting requirements and other measures to be taken by the master and the shipowner in order to prevent piracy attacks.
The law also safeguards the rights of seafarers, and regulates the licensing of security companies and their personnel and clarifies their responsibilities.
It goes further though, as it seeks to standardise contracts between shipowners and security companies, and even covers the storage on board of arms and ammunition. There are many difficult areas which are covered and these include the issue of civil liability of the shipowner, and one which has vexed many owners, the validity of statutory certificates for ships seized in pirate attacks.
It also establishes the jurisdiction of Cypriot courts for the trial of those involved in piracy.
Instead of simply talking about what should be done Cyprus has come out and done it – tackling all the thorny issues which have had others wringing their hands in dismay. Well done to all involved in this landmark work.