8.3 Enhanced Bridge Protection
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
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 - 8.3 Enhanced Bridge Protection

8.3 Enhanced Bridge Protection

 The bridge is usually the focus for any pirate attack. In the initial part of the attack, pirates direct weapons fire at the bridge to try to coerce the ship to stop. If they are able to board the vessel the Pirates usually try to make for the bridge to enable them to take control. The following further protection enhancements might be considered:

  • Kevlar jackets and helmets available for the bridge team to provide a level of protection for those on the bridge during an attack. (If possible, jackets and helmets should be in a nonmilitary colour).
  • While most bridge windows are laminated, further protection against flying glass can be provided by the application of security glass film, often called Blast Resistant Film.
  • Fabricated metal, (steel/aluminium), plates for the side and rear bridge windows and the bridge wing door windows, which may be rapidly secured in place in the event of an attack.
  • The after part of both bridge wings, (often open), can be protected by a wall of sandbags.
  • The sides and rear of the bridge, and the bridge wings, may be protected with a double layer of chain link fence which has been shown to reduce the effect of an RPG round. Proprietary anti-RPG screens are also available.
Parent topic: Section 8 Ship Protection Measures
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