Management of firearms and ammunition from embarkation to disembarkation
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1405/Rev.2 – Revised Interim Guidance to Shipowners, Ship Operators, and Shipmasters on the Use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel on Board Ships in the High Risk Area1 – (25 May 2012) - Annex – Revised Interim Guidance to Shipowners, Ship Operators, and Shipmasters on the Use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel on Board Ships in the High Risk Area1 - 5 Service provision considerations - Management of firearms and ammunition from embarkation to disembarkation

Management of firearms and ammunition from embarkation to disembarkation

  5.11 An essential requirement of the PCASP team will be to demonstrate responsible management and use of weapons and ammunition at all times when on board.

  5.12 Issues to be considered should include:

  • .1 documented compliance with the applicable flag, coastal and port State legislation and relationships governing the transport, carriage, storage, provision and use of firearms, ammunition and security equipment to and from the points of embarkation and disembarkation or ports/places at which the ship may call as part of its intended voyage whilst the PCASP team is on board. PCASP should be able to prove that actual inventory carried matches all documented declarations including compliance with any applicable export/import licences;

  • .2 appropriate containers for firearms, ammunition and security equipment at the point of transfer to and from the ship, in full legal compliance with national jurisdiction and port State laws;

  • .3 documented standards and procedures for a complete inventory of all firearms, ammunition and security equipment available upon arrival aboard the ship (inventory should detail make, model, calibre, serial number and company end-user certificate and proof of purchase of all firearms and accessories; and details of ammunition natures and amount);

  • .4 effective control procedures for separate and secure onboard stowage and deployment of firearms, ammunition and security equipment;

  • .5 areas where firearms may or may not be carried, together with the weapon state (e.g. unloaded and magazine off, magazine on and safety catch on and no round chambered) and what conditions will initiate a change in that state should be confirmed;

  • .6 detailed and exercised orders for when firearms may be loaded and made ready for use should be confirmed, trained and documented during certain periods as listed in the PCASP contract, to ensure the highest of safety and operational capabilities for use of firearms aboard the ship; and

  • .7 the inventory should be reconciled on disembarkation of all firearms and ammunition from the ship.

Parent topic: 5 Service provision considerations
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