8.13 Safe Muster Points / Citadels
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1339 – Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Waters off the Coast of Somalia – (14 September 2011)Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia Based Piracy - Annex 2 - Section 8 Ship Protection Measures - 8.13 Safe Muster Points / Citadels

8.13 Safe Muster Points / Citadels

 Any decision to navigate in waters where the vessel’s security may be threatened requires careful consideration and detailed planning to ensure the safety of the crew and vessel. Consideration should be given to establishing a Safe Muster Point or secure Citadel, an explanation of each follows:

Safe Muster Point:

  • A Safe Muster Point is a designated area chosen to provide maximum physical protection to the crew, preferably low down within the vessel.
  • In the event of a suspicious approach, members of the crew not required on the Bridge or the Engine Room Control Room will muster.
  • A Safe Muster Point is a short-term safe haven, which will provide ballistic protection should the pirates commence firing with small arms weaponry or RPGs.

 Citadels:

If Citadels are to be employed, they should be complementary to, rather than a replacement for, all other Ship Protection Measures set out in BMP 4. The establishing of a Citadel may be beyond the capability of ship’s staff alone, and may well require external technical advice and support.

A Citadel is a designated pre-planned area purpose built into the ship where, in the event of imminent boarding by pirates, all crew will seek protection. A Citadel is designed and constructed to resist a determined pirate trying to gain entry for a fixed period of time. The details of the construction and operation of Citadels are beyond the scope of this booklet. A detailed document containing guidance and advice is included on the MSCHOA and NATO Shipping Centre website.

The whole concept of the Citadel approach is lost if any crew member is left outside before it is secured.

Ship operators and Masters are strongly advised to check the MSCHOA website for detailed up to date advice and guidance regarding the construction and operation of Citadels including the criteria that Naval/Military forces will apply before considering a boarding operation to release the crew from the Citadel. (see contact details in Annex A).

  • It is important to note that Naval/Military forces will apply the following criteria before a boarding to release those in a Citadel can be considered:
 
  • 100% of the crew must be secured in the Citadel.
 
  • The crew of the ship must have self contained, independent, reliable 2-way external communications (sole reliance on VHF communications is not sufficient).
 
  • The pirates must be denied access to ship propulsion.
  • The use of a Citadel, even where the above criteria is applied, cannot guarantee a Naval/Military response.
Parent topic: Section 8 Ship Protection Measures
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