BLOW ME DOWN

Aarrr! Those scurvy dogs of the International Marine Bureau are up to thar' old tricks again. They keep tootin' the hornpie on all those bilge rats searchin' for booty in the Malacca Straits.

They gets downright close to being undiplomatic too! Shiver me timbers!

The International Marine Bureau (IMB) has called for the expansion of the three-nation coordinated patrols that monitor the Strait of Malacca, specifically stressing the need for "hot pursuit."

The bureau also alluded that it would be helpful to include non-littoral states. Malaysia and Indonesia have always resisted suggestions that the patrols involve any countries other than the three that share the strait. Singapore, meanwhile argues that other nations should be allowed to participate.

The IMB, in its quarterly piracy report, said that the tri-state patrols were a step in the right direction, but that it remained to be convinced that it was the most effective way to combat piracy.

It said it would like to see provisions made to allow for "hot pursuit," where naval vessels from one country could enter the waters of another to chase fleeing pirates. It said the concept of coordinated patrols, in which each navy patrols its own territorial waters in coordination with its counterparts, has so far yielded limited results.

As well, the IMB said, it seemed that some parties involved in the patrols have doubts about their effectiveness. Singapore, it noted, believes the international community has a larger role to play. It also cited that there were some disagreements within the Indonesian military about whether additional navies should be involved.

The bureau, which is part of the International Maritime Organisation and which operates the Piracy Reporting Centre in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, stopped short of endorsing the involvement of non-littoral states. However, it said that it would take more than the coordinated patrols to fight piracy.

Indeed! Man the guns, ye cowardly swabs!

And, what's this I hear about the eight speed boats? Blimey!

Aarrr, enough o' that.

Tis' Friday and I needs me rest. Yarrr, more grog, wench!!!

(More pirate-talkin Myrick here.)