Global Debate Over Arming Ships

  Historically, most nations worldwide have opposed placing guns or weapons of any kind aboard ships.  The reasons for this typically have surrounded the fear of those same weapons being used against the ship in cases of mutiny.  But now, with the increasing amount of pirate attacks, nations are re-opening this issue for debate. 

  So far, experts say we have not seen any trends in lawmaking regarding piracy.  Some nations are clearly for arming their ships and others are still very against it.  Some analysts have predicted that the   decision by the United States might lead the way, while others say that it is the United Nations decision that a majority will follow.

  France has already made its decision and started arming its ships.  The French government has signed a deal with a tuna fisherman’s union offering military protection of their ships that sail the Indian Ocean.  The fisherman welcomed the protection and no additional attacks have been reported.

  In Belgium, the government has also offered troops to ships for protection.  The Belgian’s have been slow to accept this change and only a few have taken the offer.

  It is widely believed that Israel has been arming its ships for years, though this accusation has yet to be proven.

  In the Netherlands, authorities have turned down an option that parliament presented, which would permit arming ships.  Their reasons were that arming the ships would in essence promote violence.  They feared that the pirates might attack in a more severe manner if they see weapons and are concerned with lack of medical care at sea if this were to occur.

  The U.S. is still deciding which way to go on the issue.  In June a new law was proposed which would require armed troops to be placed on any U.S. ships in high-risk areas.  This bill has passed in the House and now is being sent to the Senate.  Also, recently a new bill was introduced which would give the freedom of using force to defend your ship during an act of piracy, without fear of prosecution in U.S. courts.

  Some critics anticipate the U.S. passing both new laws and fear it could lead to only the wealthier nations protecting their ships.  With the poorer nations continuing to not be able to, this would make then even easier targets for pirates.

  Though some are clearly in favor of arming their vessels, many still are opposed.  Those staunch opponents have been stating an increase in potential legal issues and increased amounts of violence as their reasons.  Some nations, including the U.S., are also concerned with their military resources already being spread too thin.  In addition, some predict an arms race between the ships and the pirates developing.

  Those in favor have responded to these critiques by stating that the armed ships have already proved effective.  Just this past April, an Italian cruise liner narrowly avoided being taken over by pirates when the Israeli private guards aboard the ship opened fire on the pirates.  Arming a ship they say, is their best defense.

Discussion Questions

-Should ships be armed?  If so, what limitations might be necessary?

-Which nation’s actions and reasoning to you agree with?  Why?