Counter-piracy Operations by Private Maritime Security Contractors: Key Legal Issues and Challenges

Private maritime security contractors (PMSCs) are being hired with ever-increasing regularity to guard vessels passing through areas where the risk of being attacked by pirates is particularly high. While this may bring greater security to ships and their crews, it also raises a number of important issues, especially what constitutes lawful use of force by armed guards belonging to PMSCs. It is sometimes a fine line between lawful self-defence and homicide, but it is one that needs to be drawn clearly. This article discusses the applicable standards -- human rights as well as other relevant frameworks and standards -- and concludes that further work is required to ensure that the rights of all concerned are respected and protected. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]