Manx-flagged ships will be allowed to start carrying armed guards, in line with changes to the United Kingdom's ship registry.
The moves were announced by Prime Minister David Cameron, and are designed to counter the threat of armed pirates operating off the coat of East Africa.
Manx vessels will also be allowed to have armed security guards on board after a spate of attacks in the region.
Director of the Isle of Man Ship Registry Dick Welsh says vessels flying the Manx flag have been targeted in the past:
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