Title: Capt. Phillips testifies before Senate Committee

" The only dot. Well again we are delighted to welcome you here and look forward to hearing what chipset."

" Mister chairman and members of the committee I am captain Richard Phillips I'm a graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. I've been a member of the international organization of master mates and pilots union since 1979. And I am a licensed American merchant mariner. I was captain of the -- Alabama when it was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia on April 8. We've returned home safely and without my entire crew and I greatly appreciate the actions taken by the administration. The Department of Defense and most specifically. The US navy seals. The navy seals in the crew aboard the USS favorite. I want to thank the management of -- compartment steamship corporation who handled the situation the crew and out pales with -- great care and concern. And equally important I want to publicly commend all the offices and crew aboard the mask Alabama. Who responded with their typical professionalism. In response to this incident. The licensed deck officers who -- members of the master mates and pilots union the licensed deck officer lights and engineers who are members of the marine engineers beneficial association. In the unlike some crew belong to the sea bearers international union. Our dedicated merger matter mariners typical of America's merchant -- who are well trained or -- ready and able to respond when necessary to protect the interests of our country. I need to make it clear at the outset that I am unable to discuss the incident itself because of the ongoing investigation. And pending legal action against all the pirates but I that a lot of time to think about the difficult and complex issues of protecting vessel cargo and crew. In crime ridden waters. So the focus of my comments we my beliefs based on years of experience does -- seat. And what can or should be done to respond to piracy and to protect American vessels and crew. I should also say at the outset that I realized my opinions may differ in some ways from other recommendations you were heard before animate here today from others on appeal. Nevertheless I do believe that all of us in the maritime industry understand that it is imperative. -- we worked together to address this complex problem and I believe we are in general agreement on the main principles of keeping through Chicago in Brussels say. First I believe it is responsibility of the government to protect the United States including US flagged vessels that are by definition. An extension of the United States the US citizen crews and -- Worldwide commercial assets so it follows then that the most desirable and appropriate solution to piracy. It's for the United States government to provide protection to military escorts into a military attachments aboard US vessels. That's said I'm well with a somewhat view that there's a limit to any government resources even Americans. In fact in the vastness of the area to be covered in the areas of threat are continually growing Roger. Our navy and coalition of the navy's currently positioned in the gulf of Aden region. May simply not have the resources -- to provide all the protection necessary. To prevent and stop the attacks so what other other things can be done. In my opinion the the targets the vessels can be hard and even beyond what's being done today -- made even more structurally resistant to pirates. In addition more can be done in terms of developing specific antipiracy procedures tools and training for American crews. I do know however I want -- emphasize that contrary to some reports I've heard real reason recently. American mariners are highly trained and do receive up to date training and upgrading at the private educational training facilities jointly run by the maritime unions -- their contract -- shipping companies. I've also heard the suggestion that always have to do to -- piracy. Is just on the crew was in my opinion I'm in the crew cannot and should not be viewed as the best ultimate solution to the problem. At most common in the crucial the only one component of a comprehensive plan and approach to combat piracy. To the extent we go afford the distraction there will be my personal preference that oil limited number of and individuals aboard the vessel. Have access to effective weaponry that these in these individuals receive special training on a regular basis. I realize that even this limited approach to on the cruise opens up a very authorities set of issues. I'll let others sort out the legal liability issues we all must understand that having weapons of boredom. More nurturing ship fundamentally changes. The model of commercial shipping and we must be very cautious about how it is done. Nevertheless I do believe that bombing the crew as a part of an overall strategy. Could provide an effective deterrent. Effective deterrent under certain circumstances and I believe that the measure capability in this respect should be part of the overall debate about how to defend ourselves against criminals on this date. As from security. My preference would be government government protection forces however as long as they are adequately train I would not be pose a private security on board. Course I realize that very clear protocols would have to be established him fall. For example of a cap my -- I am responsible for the vessel not going broke at all times but I am not comfortable giving up command authority to others. Including the commander report protection voice in hot in the heat of an attack that it'll be one -- decision maker. So commander is only one of the many issues that would have to be worked out for security forces to operate effectively. While there are many new ideas and much discussing going on about how to deal with piracy I order a respectfully ask the committee to be mindful that the -- I've met and worked with all the my Korea. Are resourceful hardworking adventurous courageous. Patriotic in independent. They want whatever help you can offer to make the sea lanes more secure and they don't work environments safe. But we will realize that -- preparation is absolutely critical not every situation can be anticipated. And we expect that has pod we accept -- public sees -- the Paris life. So I would disclose whether request for you to please proceed carefully and to please continue to include us in your discussions and debates. Thank you for this opportunity to speak and I look forward to answering any questions you may have thank you can have and we look forward to having that exchange."