2.9.4.2 ACTION TO PREVENT ATTACKS
pass through areas known for violent attacks on vessels.
The Master should ask the local agents or correspondent for advice on security
in that particular port or area and the reliability of official security authorities
and private firms.
Direct lines of communication should be established – where possible
and reliable – with the dock, police or security authorities.
A. At anchor or alongside
Depending on the type, layout and structure of the vessel, a strategy may include
strict control at all gangways and accesses, allowing only authorised
access
fairleads and hawse pipes to be sealed to prevent access
all upper deck lockers and doors to accommodation which are not strictly
needed for the operation of the vessel to be locked bearing in mind all safety
implications, including evacuation in the event of an emergency
all upper deck lighting to be on full
extra lighting over the vessel’s sides including the bow and stern
all ladders and ropes hanging outboard need to be taken onboard
large effective rat-guards to be put on mooring ropes well out of reach
of the vessel’s side or jetty
patrols of preferably no less than two crew members during the hours of darkness,
equipped with powerful search or arc lights and in direct communication with
the officer in charge.
B. Underway
Depending on the type, layout and structure of the vessel, a strategy may include
making passage through areas known to be dangerous in daylight, if possible
using safe maximum speed
maintaining a constant radar and visual watch, giving a wide berth to
small objects, particularly when they show no lights
during hours of darkness, ensuring the upper deck lighting is on full
as well as extra lighting over the vessel’s side and stern, provided this
does not in any way impair the ability to maintain a safe and effective lookout
charging fire hoses during the passage
making constant rounds around the vessel by preferably no less than two crew,
equipped with powerful search or arc lights and in a direct communication with
the officer in charge.
C. No firearms!
Firearms should not be used! To do so will
expose the Master or crew to imprisonment or execution should a pirate
be killed in a hostile port
expose the vessel to arrest and security demands exceeding the amount
of valuables the pirates could have taken from the vessel
increase the risk that the pirates themselves will use firearms with
the possibility that a crew member may be killed or injured.
D. Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC)
If the vessel has been the victim of a piracy or other violent attack, the Master
is advised to report the attack to the PRC of the International Maritime Bureau
(IMB) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Centre can be contacted on a 24 hour basis.
The key services of the PRC are
to receive reports of suspicious or unexplained craft manoeuvres, boarding
and armed robbery from vessels and to alert other vessels and law enforcement
agencies in the relevant region
to issue regular status reports of piracy and armed robbery via routine
broadcasts on Immarsat-C through its safetyNETservice. Vessels can also obtain
these status reports by contacting the PRC
to collate and analyse all information received and issue consolidated
reports to interested parties, including the IMO.
For further details and contact details of the PRC please see section 3.18
Violent acts, piracy, robbery and others.