The UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has approved the deployment of private armed guards aboard ships in the pirate-infested waters off Somalia after a meeting at its headquarters, according to Exim News Service.

"Placing armed guards on board should only be considered after a risk assessment has been carried out. It is also important to involve the Master in the decision making," said the IMO statement.

Ten-12 per cent of ships transiting the waters employ armed guards, for which the newly-formed Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) is seeking to establish service standards.

According to the naval contingent in the area, EU NAVFOR, 23 ships and 518 seafarers are presently held captive by pirates.

Following the IMO go-ahead, the Union government too is reportedly mulling allowing armed guards on board Indian-flagged vessels. The preference is for retired naval officers, it is learnt. Detailed guidelines are expected to be issued shortly.