More ammunition

[Lucky_Phill]

I thought this would have been posted up here before now.

I can't even remember which news paper I read it in.

But:-

The Australian government has given the OK or passed a law that allows our Patrol Boats to fire " LIVE " rounds at illegal fishermen in the waters that surround Oz. This was particulary aimed at the northern waters and the folk from the countries in that area.

I didn't read what criteria will be used prior to letting rip some 50mm rounds at the poachers, but this may start to have an effect on the hordes once word gets back to the mother country that WE are starting to get serious.

If anyone can find the article, can you post it up. It was probably from either last Sundays Sunday Mail, or a Courier mail during this week.

Cheers Phill

[Derek_Bullock]

From the Age

http://www.theage.com.au/news/Nation...081010593.html

Navy to shoot at illegal fishing boats

December 6, 2006 - 5:39PM

Australian navy patrol boats have been given the go-ahead to open fire with cannons to disable fleeing illegal fishing boats.

In a major review of the navy's rules of engagement, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson has given the go-ahead for a new response for vessels spotted in Australian waters which refuse all orders to stop.

Dr Nelson said it had become clear that Australian personnel were taking increasing risks in apprehending foreign fishing vessels.

"Yesterday I approved new rules of engagement which in addition to what the navy can currently do will include the use of capsicum spray," he said.

"It will also include the use of tear gas, distraction explosives and firing.

"Under certain circumstances our patrol boats will be allowed to fire directly to disable a vessel which is ignoring orders and which is seeking to escape apprehension," he said.

"It is extremely important that anybody that comes to this country seeking to steal our fish and breach our sovereignty knows that they will be will be met by a very disciplined Royal Australian Navy."

The new rules stipulate that no life may be endangered when attempting to halt the fleeing vessels.

Dr Nelson proposed the review of the rules of engagement after spending a night aboard the navy patrol boat HMAS Bathurst patrolling off northern Australian in April.

Crew members pressed the minister for stronger powers to halt illegal fishing boats which ignored all calls to stop.

That review was conducted by defence head Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston and navy chief Vice Admiral Russ Shalders and approved by Dr Nelson.

The new rules propose an escalation of force, from use of teargas and pepper spray up to firing the patrol boats' 25mm Typhoon cannons to destroy an illegal ship's engine or rudder.

Previously all sailors could do to encourage fleeing boats to stop was fire a across the vessel's bow with a Steyr rifle.

Australian navy and customs vessels have apprehended 166 foreign fishing vessels in Australia's northern waters so far this financial year. They were carrying an estimated $5 million of poached fish.

Dr Nelson said these foreign fishing vessels were increasingly sophisticated.

"They are engaging in activities that are very dangerous to our personnel and indeed to our patrol boats, including very large sharpened poles, the throwing of missiles and a variety of things that endanger our people."

Dr Nelson said in one case last year a sailor attempting to board one fleeing vessel was left dangling from the stem of the vessel as it sped away.

[BAIT_MAN]

Kids at risk under fishing rules: Greens
Thursday Dec 7 15:41 AEDT
The Australian Greens on Thursday claimed that children could be shot at under new rules aimed at stopping illegal fishing boats.

In a major review of the navy's rules of engagement, Australian navy patrol boats have been given the go-ahead to open fire with cannons to disable fleeing illegal fishing boats which refuse to stop.

The new rules stipulate that no life may be endangered when attempting to halt the fleeing vessels.

Previously all sailors could do to encourage fleeing boats to stop was fire across the vessel's bow with a Steyr rifle .

As the Environment Minister Ian Campbell was talking on the issue in parliament, he was heckled by Greens senator Rachel Siewert.

"You're shooting at kids," Senator Siewert passionately yelled across the chamber.

Senator Campbell said the new rules are important for the safety of Australians.

"Illegal foreign fishermen are now stooping to increasingly desperate tactics to avoid capture and engaging in dangerous tactics which are putting our personnel at risk," the minister said.

[fishingjew]

Shooting illegal fishing boats against international law
Published: 08 December 2006


Dr Baird New rules of engagement that allow the Australian navy to fire on illegal fishing vessels go against international law, a sea law expert has warned.

The changes, announced by Defence Minister Brendan Nelson, authorise the firing of live ammunition into the bow or engine of illegal fishing vessels that ignore orders.

UQ international law lecturer and sea law expert Dr Rachel Baird said the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, which rules on international maritime matters, had decided in 1999 that using such force was excessive.

Dr Baird said international law required the use of force be avoided as far as possible when arresting ships, even if their activities were illegal.

“Using such force exposes an unacceptably high risk of injury or death to foreign nationals and exposes Australia to unnecessary risk of international action by the national's State,” Dr Baird said.

“It is settled international practice that vessels are to be directed to stop via auditory or visual signals.

“If the vessel does not respond and stop, then other action is permitted including boarding and firing shots across the bow of the vessel.

“Firing shots into a vessel in an open sea State is inherently risky and the likelihood of injury or death high.

“The risk of escalation and retaliation by the flag State or State of nationality is not one the Australian government should contemplate and exposes Defence personal to unnecessary risk for a task that is not core Defence business.”

She said there were better alternatives than force such as closing illegal fishing ports and markets and bringing vessel owners to account rather than individual fishers.



You cant please everyone . I think about time sink a few might get the mesage across

[webby]

A few shots across the Bow never hurts anyone, and if that doesnt slow them down, lowering of the sights might be the only option.
regards

[Reef_fisher]

About bloody time, so frustrating when you are on a warship an can't even stop a bloody termite infested tub.