Maritime Union of India (MUI) has asked shipping as well as ship management companies operating in India to engage the services of armed guards aboard cargo ships in the interest of Indian seafarers.
Currently, it's not mandatory for shipping operators to engage the services of armed guards during risky voyages of cargo ships, especially while passing through the maritime corridors of Nigeria, Yemen and Somalia to check the menace of piracy.
Amar Singh Thakur, General Secretary of MUI, said, “Since the safety of over 1.3 lakh Indian seafarers is of paramount importance, MUI has asked all shipping operators to compulsorily provide armed guard protection as pirates tend to hijack cargo as well as crew in lust of huge ransom.”
Many shipping operators avoid armed guards' services as protection providing companies charge as high as $10,000 per day per team of 4 well-trained guards for ensuring round-the-clock safety to the cargo ships in deep seas. “Since human lives are priceless, shipping operators should not shy away from bearing cost of safeguarding the security of Indian seafarers. Also, I sincerely urge the Government to intervene as Indian seafarers earn and contribute about $50 million per annum to the country's exchequer,” added Thakur.