BMP Section 5 BMP Reporting Procedures

5.1 An essential part of BMP that applies to all ships is liaison with Naval/Military forces. This is to ensure that Naval/Military forces are aware of the sea passage that a ship is about to embark upon and how vulnerable that ship is to pirate attack. This information is essential to enable the Naval/Military forces to best use the assets available to them. Once ships have commenced their passage it is important that they continue to update the Naval/Military forces on progress.

The two keys Naval/Military organisations to contact:

5.1.1 The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office in Dubai is the first point of contact for ships in the region. The day-to-day interface between Masters and Naval/Military forces is provided by UKMTO which talk to merchant ships and liaise directly with MSCHOA and Naval Commanders at sea and ashore.

'Merchant vessels are strongly encouraged to send regular reports to UKMTO. These comprise:'


 * Initial Report
 * Daily Reports
 * Final Report (upon departure from the high risk area or arrival in port).

Reporting Forms for use in the UKMTO Voluntary Reporting Area are included at Annex B. UKMTO uses this information to help Naval/Military forces to maintain an acurate picture of merchant shipping (see contact details at Annex A).

5.1.2 The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) is the planning and Coordination Centre for EU Naval forces (EUNAVFOR). MSCHOA encourages Companies to register their vessels’ movements prior to entering the High Risk Area (including the International Recommended Transit Corridor ‘IRTC’) via their website (www.mschoa.org). (See contact details at Annex A.) It should be noted that the EUNAVFOR operational area does not extend East of 65°E. It is important that vessels and their operators complete both the UKMTO Vessel Position Reporting Forms and register with MSCHOA