E-petition to end piracy

The action calls on nations to dedicate significant resources and work to find real solutions to the growing piracy problem, taking immediate steps to secure the release and safe return of kidnapped seafarers to their families and to work within the international community to secure a stable and peaceful future for Somalia and its people.

The campaign is being backed by BIMCO, ICS, IFSMA, IMEC, IPTA, Intercargo, InterManager, International Group of P&I Clubs, INTERTANKO, ISF, ITF, IUMI and SIGTTO*, as well as national shipowners’ associations and trade unions worldwide.

ISF president Spyros Polemis said: “Together we must encourage all governments to do everything necessary to protect the lives of seafarers who are subject to increasingly violent attacks, with over 1,800 kidnapped in the last two years alone. Ninety percent of world trade is carried by sea and governments have a duty to extend the naval protection being provided – which is currently inadequate – and regain control of the Indian Ocean from a handful of criminals.”

Almost every day seafarers are in risk of death and injury, pirate attack is increasing, their families are suffering worry and uncertainty, and the chances of attracting people to jobs at sea are shrinking. “Governments need to act now,” said the organisers. The petition can be found at www.endpiracypetition.org.