Naval task force
Naval EscortCommunication with the flag state, coastal authority and task force to update ships position frequently – Understand the contents of the Best Management Practices (BMP) guide as issued by industries bodies and updated from time to timeThe purpose of the Industry Best Management Practices (BMP) is to assist ships avoid, deter or delay piracy attacks in the High Risk Area (Somalia).
This is because experience and data collected by Naval/Military forces, shows that the application of the recommendations contained in this booklet can and will make a significant difference in preventing a ship becoming a victim of piracy.
BMP recommends that vessels do the following prior entry into Somalia piracy area:
- Fill up Vessel movement registration form to register vessel with Maritime Safety Centre Horn Of Africa (MSCHOA)
- Report to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), when in high risk area
- Implement ship protection measures
Aircraft Patrol
Communication at sea, under a Piracy attackIn the event of a piracy attack, the best way of alerting the local authorities of an attack is by sending out a distress message to emergency response providers. In case of piracy, it could be the navy patrolling the area or the security agency, in charge of the region.
Maintain contact with the security authority or the Navy preferably by telephone for as long as it is safe to do so. On receipt of information in relation to an attack, the security authority/ the naval unit will inform the appropriate national maritime operations centre and local authorities and will ensure all other ships in the immediate vicinity are aware of the event.
Follow up with call to the Company Security Officer if the situation permits.
Activate the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) which will alert your CSO and Flag State. Make a ‘Mayday’ call on VHF Ch. 16.
Send a distress message via the Digital Selective Calling system (DSC) and Inmarsat-C, as applicable.