The Executive Yuan Council today approved an amendment to the Shipping Act to allow shipping companies to hire private armed security personnel to guard their cargo ships. It will be sent to the Legislative Yuan for deliberation.
Premier Jiang Yi-huah stated the amendment is meant to increase protection of Taiwanese shipping vessels passing through regions with a high degree of piracy, so it is extremely necessary and timely. The Executive Yuan considers the bill a top priority and has requested that the Legislature pass it within the current lawmaking session. The premier asked the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, which drafted the bill, to proactively coordinate and communicate with the legislative caucuses, win their support for the measure and swiftly conclude the amendment process.
The major points of the amendment are as follows:
1. Private armed security guards are defined and permitted, with reference to the pronouncements of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization. (Article 3)
2. Private armed security guards employed by shipping companies should present themselves to the navigation administration office for approval. These personnel should board and disembark from vessels overseas. Neither they nor any of their weapons, including firearms, ammunition or knives, may enter any part of the territory of the Republic of China (Taiwan) except the approved shipping vessels themselves. Violators will be fined by the navigation administration agency. (Articles 27-1 and 50-1)
3. Private armed security guards for ROC vessels owned or contracted by foreign shipping agencies must also obey Article 27-1. Violators will be fined by the navigation administration agency. (Articles 32-1 and 50-1)