4 Prior to Transit – Defensive Measures
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1332 – Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Water off the Coast of Somalia – (16 June 2009) - Annex 1 – Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Coast of Somalia (February 2009) - Recommended Best Management Practices - 4 Prior to Transit – Defensive Measures

4 Prior to Transit – Defensive Measures

  a. Taking into account the manning levels, ensure that ship routines are adjusted sufficiently in advance to ensure well-rested and well-briefed crew are on watch and ensure sufficient watch keepers are available.

  b. Consider minimizing external communications (radios, handsets and AIS information) to essential safety and security related communication and SOLAS information only, during transit of the GoA and passing the Coast of Somalia.

  c. Increase readiness and redundancy by running additional auxiliary machinery, including generators and steering motors.

  d. Increase lookouts/bridge manning.

  e. Man the Engine Room.

  f. Secure and control access to bridge, engine room, steering gear room, and crew quarters.

  g. In case of emergency, warships can be contacted on VHF Ch. 16 (Backup Ch.08).

  h. Check all ladders and outboard equipment are stowed or up on deck.

  i. If the ship has a comparatively low freeboard consider the possibility of extending the width of the gunwales to prevent grappling hooks from gaining hold.

  j. It is recommended a piracy attack muster point or “citadel” is designated and lock down procedures rehearsed in order to delay access to control of the ship and buy time. Ideally this should be away from external bulkheads and portholes.

  k. Consider the use of dummies at the rails to simulate additional lookouts. However if ship design creates lookout black spots and the security assessment identifies this risk then it may have to be covered by manpower.

  l. It is suggested fire pumps and/or hoses should be pressurized and ready for discharge overboard in highest risk quarters.

  m. Consider the use of razor wire/physical barriers around stern/lowest points of access, commensurate with crew safety and escape.

  n. Consider the use of passive defence equipment.

  o. Consider providing night vision optics for use during the hours of darkness.

  p. Operate CCTV (if fitted).

Parent topic: Recommended Best Management Practices
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