PIRACY

What is the threat. Where is it happening. What action can be taken onboard

the ship.

Piracy is described as an act of robbery and /or violence on the high seas.

It is associated with armed robbery which is committed inside territorial waters.

Attacks are often done by small, high speed craft.

The attackers are often armed with a variety of weapons, including automatic fire arms.

And rocket propelled grenades

Methods of Attack :-

Ships at anchor are extremely vulnerable, and can easily be boarded from small boats under cover of darkness.

Also, ships alongside - supposed stevedores on board vessel and breaking in and dropping goods overside to waiting, motorised canoes.

Fast launches pacing vessel underway and closing the ship during hours of darkness, using grappling hooks to board the vessel.

Piracy Targets :- the majority of pirate attacks are to secure cash

and easily transportable valuables. The Master's /ship's safe is a prime target (crew wages, etc.)

a 'soft target' will be a slow vessel, with low freeboard and a small crew. Also will have a low level of security, poor deck lighting and poor communications equipment.

Pirates will often have prior knowledge of vessel and its route, cargo, etc. from agents, authorities.

However they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and daring

MV FAINA

Sirius Star

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Ship's Defence again piracy attacks :- Switch on all deck lighting.

Surveillance equipment (CCTV) to monitor approaches to specific onboard operational areas.

Extra search lights, alarm systems, back-up communication systems.

Deck patrols - two man teams, in known pirate areas.

Ship’s Defence (continued):- Prudent use of radar to detect small craft

approaching.

Extra lookouts.

Pressurised jet water hoses in readiness.

Block off entrances to the accommodation. Have one entrance only -well lit, able to close and secure from the inside.

Ship’s Defence (continued):-

Crew training, in the form of drills.

Up to date information on current pirate situation, from I.C.C. International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre, KL, Malaysia

If under Attack

Pre-Boarding :-

Raise alarm by radio - Coast Guard surface & helicopter patrols may be in the vicinity.

Switch on all deck lights.

Train pressurised water hose jets onto boarders to prevent them reaching the deck. Do not expose yourself whilst doing so.

The use of hoses as means of preventing hostile craft closing the ship are recommended at a pressure of about 80 Ib per square inch. This level of pressure if directed correctly would probably prevent a man from standing upright. The water could also cause the outboard engines to short out as well as cause swamping of the boats themselves.

NOTE

Pre-Boarding (continued):-

The ship's speed should be maintained

Using abrupt helm movements it may be

possible to create a wash against small hostile craft, provided the navigation circumstances permit such hard-over actions.

Post boarding :-

Main concern is for safety of ship's personnel, and for retaining control of navigation of vessel.

If alarm has been raised, and the attackers know it, they will probably want to leave the vessel as soon as possible. Don't obstruct their departure!

Post boarding (continued):- It is not usual for crew members to be held

hostage, or roughed up, to intimidate the Master into opening the safe, or to supply information on access to valuables.

Once on board, the attackers should not be antagonised by bravado tactics. It is better to encourage them to depart the vessel as soon as possible.

Post boarding (continued):-

The use of firearms to protect the vessel is discouraged. The use of them can escalate an already highly volatile situation. It should be realised that if a foreign national is killed or injured, even in self-defence, repercussions on the ship and crew could result from the local flag state.

Jurisdiction :-

Armed robbery within the territorial waters of a flag state falls in the jurisdiction of the Coastal State where the offence is committed, whereas piracy is a criminal act on the high seas and outside the jurisdiction of any flag state.

MGN 440 (M):-

This MGN provides links to websites containing information about countering Piracy, armed robbery and other acts of violence against Merchant Ships.

The Department for Transport’s Guidance to UK Flagged Shipping on Measures to Counter Piracy, Armed Robbery and other Acts of Violence against Merchant Shipping can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/measures-to-counter-piracy

The Department for Transport’s Interim Guidance to UK Flagged Shipping on the use of Armed Guards to Defend Against the Threat of Piracy in Exceptional Circumstances can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/use-of-armed-guards-to-defend-against-piracy

The latest version of the Best Management Practices (BMP) can be found on the EU NAVFOR web site (http://www.mschoa.org/bmp3/Documents/BMP4%20low%20resolution%20(3).pdf).

The Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization produces circulars containing advice which can be found at http://www.imo.org/Pages/home.aspx.

UK Policy on Firearms

The Government recognises that the engagement of armed guards is an option to protect human life onboard UK registered ships from the threat of piracy, but only in exceptional circumstances and where it is lawful.

MCA Website

www.dft.gov.uk/mca