Anti-Piracy
Ship Protection MeasuresThis section highlights proven SPM that provide layered protection. The BMP is based on regional experience of attacks and will continue to evolve as methods change.
The implementation of SPM will be identified during the voyage planning process. Companies may wish to consider making further alterations to the ship beyond the scope of this BMP, and/or providing additional equipment and/or personnel as a means of further reducing the risk of attack.
Watch keeping and enhanced vigilanceThe Master should implement the following actions to assist in raising vigilance on board.
- Provide additional, fully-briefed lookouts.
- Maintain an all-round lookout from an elevated position.
- Consider shorter rotation of the watch period to maximise alertness of the lookouts.
- Maintain sufficient binoculars for the enhanced bridge team, preferably anti-glare.
- Consider the use of thermal imagery optics and night vision aids as they provide a reliable all-weather, day and night surveillance capability.
- Maintain a careful radar watch and monitor all navigational warnings and communications, particularly VHF and GMDSS alerts.
- Consider placing well-constructed dummies at strategic locations around the ship to give the impression of greater numbers of crew on watch.
- Consider using CCTV and fixed search lights for better monitoring. Fixed search lights can deter approaches from the stern.
- Mount anti-piracy mirrors on the bridge wings to make looking aft easier.
ManoeuvringThe Master and officers should practice manoeuvring the ship to ensure familiarity with the ship’s handling characteristics. The Master should also practice avoidance manoeuvres while maintaining the best possible speed. Experience has shown that such action can defeat even a lengthy and determined attack as creation of hydrostatic pressure can have a better defensive impact than speed.
AlarmsThe ship’s alarms inform the ship’s crew that an attack is underway and warn the attacker that the ship is aware and is reacting. In addition, continuous sounding of the ship’s whistle may distract the attackers.
It is important that:
- The alarms are distinctive to avoid confusion.
- Crew members are familiar with each alarm, especially those warning of an attack and indicating ‘all clear’.
- All alarms are backed up by an announcement over the accommodation and deck PA system, where fitted.
- Drills are carried out to ensure that the alarm is heard throughout the ship. The drill will confirm the time necessary for all crew to move to a position of safety.
Suspected piracy/armed robbery vessel detectedEarly detection of suspected attacks must be the first line of defence. If the vigilance and surveillance has been successful, a pirate/armed robbery vessel will be detected early.
Inform the nearest littoral or coastal State through the RCC, using the appropriate ships’ message format. The ship’s crew should be warned and, if not already in their defensive positions, they should move to them. Evasive manoeuvres and hoses should be vigorously employed as detailed in the preparation phase.
Being certain that piracy/armed robbery will be attemptedIf not already in touch with the littoral coastal State, efforts should be made to establish contact. Crew preparations should be completed and, where a local rule of the road allows ships under attack to do so, a combination of sound and light signals should be made to warn other ships in the vicinity that an attack is about to take place.
Vigorous manoeuvring at maximum speed should be sustained if navigation conditions permit.
Pirate /armed robbery vessel in proximity to, or in contact with, own ship
Use water jets to prevent pirate boarding, and if possible, cast off grappling hooks and poles, provided crew not endangered.
Sound the pirate alarm, using the ship’s whistle as an alarm discourages the attackers and tells crew working in exposed areas to seek shelter.
Communicate with other vessels using distress flares and ship’s communication equipment for help.
If possible, use evasive manoeuvering techniques e.g. heavy wheel movements to ride of attackers.
Pirates/armed robbers start to board shipTiming during this phase will be critical and as soon as one knows that boarding is inevitable all crew must be ordered to seek their secure positions (proceed to the citadel, for example).
When attackers are on board the actions of the master and crew should:
- Ensure the greatest level of safety for those on board the ship;
- If possible remain in control of the navigation of the ship; and
- Try to get the pirates/robbers depart as early as possible
The options available to the master and crew will depend on the extent to which the attackers have secured control of the ship, e.g. by have they gained access to the bridge or engine room, have they seized crewmembers who they can threaten, to force the master or crew to comply with their wishes.
However, even if the crew are in secure areas, the master must consider the risk to the ship the attackers can cause, when deciding on actions to be taken. An example of a risk that pirates they could use firebombs to start fires on a tanker or chemical carrier.
The pirates/armed robbers begin to gain control and take one or more of the ship’s crew into their custody If the attackers have gained control of the engine room or bridge, have seized crew members or can pose an imminent threat to the safety of a ship, the master or officer in charge should remain calm and, if possible, seek to negotiate with the attackers.
Try and maintain control over the navigation of the ship, the safe return of any hostages they may hold and the early departure of the attackers from the ship.
Comply with the attackers’ demands may be the only safe alternative as resistance or obstruction of any kind could be both futile and dangerous.
In the event of attackers gaining temporary control of the ship, crew members should, if it is safe and practicable, leave Close Circuit Television (CCTV) records running.
Consider hiding equipment (especially those for communication) in areas where crew are detained.
The pirates/armed robbers have stolen property/money, etc.At this stage it is essential that the pirates/armed robbers are assured that they have been given everything they have demanded with a reassurance that nothing has been hidden, this could go some way in persuading them to leave the vessel.
The pirates/armed robbers start to disembark from the shipDo not leave secure your secure positions on the vessel until you are sure all pirates/robbers have disembarked.
The pirates/armed robbers have disembarked from the shipSound the ‘all clear’ signal.