German Accreditation of PMSC - New Deadline 1 December 2013
Several things happened in the field of German accreditation of Private Maritime Security Companies since December last year, writes Michael Karschau.
First, and most decisive: The deadline for accreditations will be extended until 1 December 2013.
But please let me start in chronological order.
German Bundestag, the first chamber, passed a new law regulating the use of private maritime security companies (“PMSCs”) on 13 December, 2012. Except for one issue, there were no really relevant changes to the draft law which has been publicly available since August 2012 in the form of the amendments made by Bundesrat in September/October 2012.
A SAMI briefing paper about the contents was published in December 2012 [submitted by Michael Karschau].
The one relevant amendment made deals with a transition period for Companies which have already been granted permission under the current legislation for the use of weapons for maritime security services. Those may apply for a transition period until 31 December 2013, article 28 subs. 6 of the new Waffengesetz.
German Bundesrat then agreed on the new law on 1 February 2013.
The regulatory order was still not ready. There still seem to be discussions between the relevant agencies and/or governmental offices about contents of the order. Time-pressure was building up.
The Government has now decided, very stealthily, to extend the deadline for German accreditation. Governmental bodies were informed last Thursday, and parliament passed the amendment to the law yesterday, 28 February 2013. The deadline, 1 August 2013 was 'sacked' and extended to 1 Decembner 2013.
Let's hope that this should give the necessary time to finalise the procedure.
Michael Karschau is a maritime, transport & insurance German Lawyer at Grimme-Partner with a focus on supply-chain disruptions. He comments on German PMSC regulation. Follow him on Twitter @M_Karschau
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