Royal Navy Commanding Officers will be aware of guidance on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Law of Armed Conflict, and the requirements for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), all of which are pertinent to counter piracy operations. Such internationally agreed conventions provide a framework for the way counter piracy operations are conducted.
Guidance has been issued to UK forces off the coast of Somalia regarding the legal and evidential consideration for the transfer and subsequent prosecution of suspected pirates, under our arrangement with Kenya. This includes specific advice on the handling and detention of suspects.
UK forces operate under Rules of Engagement and there is a specific profile for forces conducting counter piracy operations.