Spotlights archive

UKMTO was deployed to the Middle East in 2001 as part of the UK response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the USA, with the principal purpose of providing a point of contact with industry and information on security issues in the region. Since April 2007 UKMTO has moved its focus towards Anti-Piracy and Maritime Security Operations and is now the primary point of contact for merchant vessels in case of a pirate attacks. Email: ukmto@eim.ae

INTERPOL is the world's largest international police organization, with 188 member countries, and facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. INTERPOL's Maritime task Force (MPTF) was set up in January 2010 to co-ordinate the Organization's international response to the maritime piracy threat.

The NSC is the link between NATO naval forces and the merchant shipping community. The mission of the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) is to provide improved information exchange on merchant shipping matters, and facilitate increased voluntary co-operation between military commanders and commercial shipping operators.

The MSCHOA is an initiative established by EU NAVFOR with close co-operation from industry. The MSCHOA centre provides 24 hour manned monitoring of vessels transiting through the Gulf of Aden whilst the provision of an interactive website enables the Centre to communicate the latest anti-piracy guidance to industry and for Shipping Companies and operators to register their movements through the region.

IMB is a specialized division of the International Chamber Of Commerce (ICC). The IMB is a non-profit making organization, established in 1981 to act as a focal point in the fight against all types of maritime crime and malpractice. IMB's main task is to protect the integrity of international trade by seeking out fraud and malpractice. The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) is to be the first point of contact for the shipmaster to report an actual or attempted attack or even suspicious movements thus initiating the process of response. IMB is also providing a Live Piracy Map showing all the piracy and armed robbery incidents reported to the PRC during the current year.

Gard is receiving a number of enquiries arising from the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear incidents in Japan. This updated FAQ provides guidance in relation to these enquiries. Updated 23 August 2011.

The Have a safe journey 2011 calendar is a part of our ongoing loss prevention programme and is aimed directly at crew members onboard the vessels. This year's topic is safety culture.

A compilation of articles previously published by Gard on the carriage of Direct Reduced Iron.

June's reminder from Gard's Loss Prevention Calendar for 2010 about good seamanship is to plan your arrival and berthing.