Conference will Address Modern Day Piracy at Sea

The Tackling Piracy at Sea Conference takes place March 18th and 19th 2009 in London, UK.

Modern day pirate in Somalia Courtesy: huntoftheseawolves.net

(LONDON) - Somalia is now the backdrop against which increasing levels of piracy are seen. With both the frequency and violence of attacks thought to be growing, there is mounting pressure on governments, international agencies, and the shipping industry to tackle the problem.

A conference scheduled for early next year will bring together all those concerned with or affected by piracy at sea to discuss what solutions can be found.

As insurance companies offer kidnap negotiators under owners` policies, is it right for ship operators to pay ransoms to pirates in order to minimize risk to crews and cargo? Or is their willingness to pay up encouraging piracy, with attackers motivated by their enhanced chances of commercial or political gain?

By examining a whole range of solutions, from improved international co-operation, the provision of greater naval protection or deployment of private security organisations, to looking at the effectiveness of preventative measures and the argument for industry to fund policing, Tackling Piracy will offer an ideal forum to both assess the problem and pinpoint some possible answers.

Speakers already confirmed:

• Paul Agate, Swinglehurst
• Stephen Askins, Ince & Co
• Guillaume Bonnissent, Hiscox
• Mr Janholt, Danish Shipowners` Assocation
• Chris Moore, Drum Cussac
• Pottengal Mukundan, International Maritime Bureau
• Neil Young, Armor Group

Those interested in attending the event can register now at: quaynote.com.

For background on piracy in the 21st Century, visit this Salem-News.com report: What About Real Bloodthirsty Pirates?