Category:Maritime Security

Register at MSCHOA
Ensure that a “Vessel Movement Registration Form” has been submitted to MSCHOA prior to entering the High Risk Area (an area bounded by Suez and the Strait of Hormuz to the North, 10°S and 78°E). This may be done directly – online by the Ship’s Operator, by Fax, or by Email. (See Annex E for details of the MSCHOA Vessel Movement Registration Form). All vessel movements should be registered with MSCHOA even if the vessel is transiting as part of a National Convoy, there is a security team onboard or if not transiting the Gulf of Aden.

Report to UKMTO
On entering the UKMTO Voluntary Reporting Area – an area bounded by Suez to the North, 10°S and 78°E - ensure that a UKMTO “Vessel Position Reporting Form - Initial Report” is sent (see Annex B) Vessels are strongly encouraged to report daily to the UKMTO by email at 08:00 hours GMT whilst operating within the High Risk Area. The UKMTO “Vessel Position Reporting Form - Daily Position Report” (as set out in Annex B) should be used. UKMTO acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels and liaison with military forces in the region and it is the primary point of contact during an attack. For this reason they should be aware that the vessel is transiting the High Risk Area.

Implement Ship Protection Measures
The Ship Protection Measures described in BMP are the most basic that are likely to be effective. Owners may wish to consider making alterations to the vessel beyond the scope of this booklet, and/or provide additional equipment, and/or manpower as a means of further reducing the risk of piracy attack. If pirates are unable to board a ship they cannot hijack it.

This section is based on the Best Management Practice (BMP version 4). In addition it includes additional ship protection measures and examples of armed private security contractors (not in BMP included):

Section 1 Introduction

Section 2 Somali Pirate Activity – The High Risk Area

Section 3 Risk Assessment

Section 4 Typical Pirate Attack

Section 5 BMP Reporting Procedures

Section 6 Company Planning

Section 7 Ship Master’s Planning

Section 8 Ship Protection Measures

Section 9 Pirate Attack

Section 10 If the Pirates take Control

Section 11 In the Event of Military Action

Section 12 Post Incident Reporting

Section 13 Updating Best Management Practices

ANNEX A Useful Contact Details

ANNEX B UKMTO Vessel Position Reporting Forms

ANNEX C Piracy Definitions

ANNEX D Follow-up Report

ANNEX E MSCHOA Vessel Movement Registration Form

ANNEX F Additional Guidance for Vessels Engaged In Fishing

ANNEX G Additional Advice for Leisure Craft Including Yachts

ANNEX H Supporting Organisations

BMP is supported by the following maritime organisations: BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association, International Chamber of Shipping, IGP&amp;I (The International Group of P&amp;I Clubs), IMB (International Maritime Bureau), International Maritime Employers’ Committee Ltd (IMEC), INTERCARGO, InterManager, INTERTANKO, INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FEDERATION, ITF (International Transport Workers Federation), The International Parcel Tankers Association, JHC (Joint Hull Committee), JWC (Joint War Committee), Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), SIGTTO, The Mission to Seafarers, The World Shipping Council (WSC)

BMP is supported by following Naval/Military Forces/Law Enforcement Organisations: Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), EU NAVFOR (The European Union Naval Force), INTERPOL, MARLO The U.S. Navy Maritime Liaison Office, Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), NATO Shipping Centre (NSC), Operation Ocean Shield and UKMTO.