Intertanko endorses BIMCO's standard armed shipboard guard contract

THE International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (Intertanko) has endorsed the standard contract (GUARDCON) for armed shipboard guards drawn up by the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), which represents the owners of 60 per cent of global merchant fleet.

The Intertanko document committee said it has considered the document against a backdrop of other contracts for the use of private armed guards.

It found that private armed guard contracts vary in content and standard, with some being unclear and/or unfavourable to owners. In some, legal rights and obligations of the parties are ill-defined, said the Intertanko press release.

"The committee much appreciated the opportunity to comment on the early GUARDCON drafts and has been watching the development and use of GUARDCON with interest," said the Intertanko statement.

Said BIMCO legal counsel Grant Hunter: "We are delighted that Intertanko has given its endorsement of a model contract for the employment by owners of maritime security guards."