Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) commandos are expected to embark on Indian cargo ships by the end of this year subject to the framing and adopting of their rules of engagement by the local government in accordance with the international maritime laws, Press Trust of India informs.
The CISF commandos will be entrusted with providing security on-board Indian merchant vessels sailing their way through the waters which are under constant threat of pirate attacks.
So far the surge in pirate attacks has prompted fast pace development of private security firms, which had proven to be an efficient solution to fend off attacks and reduce risks for shipping companies setting sail for the Indian Ocean. However, the Indian government wants to replace the foreign security firms with its own armed troops, who will be trained with the Navy’s Special Forces, specializing in long range weapons.
A five-member security detachment headed by a commander will travel on vessels deploying for the Indian Ocean region up to the tip of Somalia and then return to their base by re-boarding an incoming vessel.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, October 3, 2012