Appendix C - Guidelines for Fishing Vessels
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1283 – Non-Mandatory Guidelines on Security Aspects of the Operation of Vessels Which do not Fall Within the Scope of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code – (22 December 2008) - Annex – Guidelines on Security Aspects of the Operation of Vessels which do not Fall Within the Scope of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code - Part 2: Information for use by owners, operators and users (operators) of non-SOLAS vessels and related facilities - Appendix C - Guidelines for Fishing Vessels

Appendix C - Guidelines for Fishing Vessels

Parent topic: Part 2: Information for use by owners, operators and users (operators) of non-SOLAS vessels and related facilities

Introduction

 These Guidelines apply to fishing vessels.

 The Guidelines are intended to provide information and best practice guidance to operators of fishing vessels. They are not mandatory and are not intended to form the basis for a mandatory instrument.

 The operator, as well as the master of a fishing vessel should evaluate and enforce appropriate measures as provided for in this annex, taking into consideration the security environment and the risk areas related to the operating area and the security risk that may be encountered during the intended voyage.

Vessel Security

1 Searching

 Vessels should be searched after having been left unattended to ensure that nothing has been placed aboard while the vessel was unattended and for the purpose of concealing trespassing persons and articles placed on board for illegal purposes. To the extent possible, checks should include all spaces accessible to non-authorized persons while the vessel was unattended, e.g., any crew areas stores, holds, under-water hull, if concern prevails and areas that could conceal persons or articles that may be used for illegal purposes.

2 Securing

 With due regard to the need to facilitate escape in the event of an emergency, where possible external doors, hatches and storage areas should be kept locked and windows secured while the ship is left unattended. If the vessel is left unattended for a lengthy period of time such as overnight, it is recommended that the engine is disabled to prevent theft/unauthorized use.

3 Preventing unauthorized access to vessels

 Measures preventing unauthorized access to vessels should be implemented and maintained. Such measures could be:

    • over-the-side lighting which gives an even distribution of light on the whole hull and waterline;
    • keeping a good watch from the deck;
    • challenging all approaching boats. If unidentified, they should, where possible, be prevented from coming alongside; and
    • all visitors and contractors should report to the master of the vessel, or other responsible person to notify them of their arrival.

4 Contingency measures for security alerts

 Contingency measures should be in place for dealing with emergency navigational and health and safety alerts on board vessels. These plans may be adapted to include procedures for security alerts and incidents.

 If a suspicious device or package is found while a vessel is at sea, the master should take into account:

    • the size and location of the device;
    • the credibility of the threat;
    • the vessel's location and the time it will take for security services and other assistance to arrive;
    • the need to keep everyone well clear of the suspect device; and
    • the need for all on board to keep clear of all doors, trunks and hatches leading from the space containing the device to avoid possible blast injuries.

5 Reporting security incidents

 Vessel operators should implement procedures and processes for reporting and recording security incidents.

 In the event of a security incident occurring while the vessel is at sea the master, in addition to activating an appropriate response, should alert the nearest coastal State or authorities and/or vessels in vicinity and provide details of the incident.

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