Naval Response
The UK supports NATO's Operation Ocean Shield, EUNAVFOR's Operation Atalanta and Combined Task Force 151 as well as the UK Maritime Trade Operation (run by the Royal Navy and based in the British Embassy in Dubai).
Industry Response
The UK government supports the "shipping industry advice on self-protection measures to avoid, deter and delay pirate attacks and through government guidelines on the use of armed guards".
Plight of Seafarers
No activity planned or implemented.
Messaging and Advocacy
No activity planned or implemented.
Regional Capacity
In 2012, David Cameron established the International Piracy Ransoms Task Force to work with threatened countries to reduce the threat of piracy and ransom payments. After eight months, the Task Force released its final report, outlining recommendations to (1) strengthen co-ordination between Flag States, the private sector and military responders in preparing for potential hostage situations, (2) develop a new strategic partnership between Flag States, the private sector and law enforcement agencies that coordinates efforts of those tackling and affected by piracy to create a unified effort to identify, pursue and prosecute pirates, (3) encourage implementation of anti-piracy measures including BMP4 under the leadership of flag states and supported by the private sector, and (4) develop new strategic partnerships in a united effort to breat the piracy business model.
Somali Capacity
No activity planned or implemented.
Rule of Law
The UK has agreements with the Seychelles, Mauritius and Tanzania to support countries in the region sucessfully prosecute seized pirates.
Coordination
The UK strategy had included the opening of a Regional Anti-Piracy Prosecution and INtelligence Coordination Centre (RAPPICC) in the Seychelles. Since its inception RAPPICC has transformed into REFLECS3, the Regional Fusion and Law Enforcement Centre for Safety and Security at Sea, focusing on combating piracy and other forms of organized transnational crime.
