SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH THE HRA INTRODUCTION - The purpose of this presentation is to help to plan voyage and to detect, avoid, deter, delay and report attacks. - Regional instability has introduced other maritime security threats, including: - Deliberate targeting of ships by extremist groups. - Collateral damage arising from regional conflict. WHAT LED TO THE RISE OF PIRACY IN SOMALIA? Since the 1990s, piracy has risen in Somalia due to weak government, political instability, lack of education and public healthcare measures which forced common people, including unemployed youth and fishermen, to become a part of criminal gangs and pirates to earn some money supporting their livelihoods. HIGH RISK AREA A High Risk Area (HRA) is an industry defined area within the VRA where it is considered that a higher risk of attack exists, and additional security requirements may be necessary. The HRA is outlined on maritime security chart Q6099. It is important the latest information on current threats is used when planning routes through the HRA. Ships should be prepared to deviate from their planned route at short notice to avoid threats highlighted by navigation warnings or by military forces. MARITIME SECURITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR The Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC) is a military established corridor upon which naval forces focus their presence and surveillance efforts. The MSTC is shown on maritime security chart Q6099 and consists of: The Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). The BAM TSS and the TSS West of the Hanish Islands. A two-way route directly connecting the IRTC and the BAM TSS. THE THREAT Piracy Pirate Action Groups (PAG) boat configurations include: Skiffs only. Open whalers carrying significant quantities of fuel and often towing one or more attack skiffs. Motherships, which include merchant ships and fishing vessels but, more commonly, dhows. PLANNING - Company planning - Information security - Ship Master’s Planning - Prior to entering the Voluntary Reporting Area - Prior to entering the High Risk Area - On entering the High Risk Area SHIP PROTECTION MEASURES - Watch keeping and enhanced vigilance - Manoeuvring - Alarms - Enhanced bridge protection - Control of access to accommodation and machinery spaces SHIP PROTECTION MEASURES Physical barriers: - Razor wire SHIP PROTECTION MEASURES Physical barriers: - Other physical barriers SHIP PROTECTION MEASURES Water spray and foam monitors SHIP PROTECTION MEASURES Safe muster points and/or citadels SHIP PROTECTION MEASURES Private Maritime Security Companies SHIPS UNDER ATTACK - Piracy attack - Approach stage - Attack stage - Actions on illegal boarding - If control of the ship is lost - Hijack – hostage situation TO REPORT OF SOMALI PIRACY INCIDENTS ONLY – PLEASE CONTACT BELOW IMMEDIATELY UKMTO: Tel: +971 50 552 3215, Fax: +971 4 306 5710, Email: [email protected] MSCHOA: Tel: + 33 (0)2 98 220 220, + 33 (0)2 98 220 170 Fax: +33 (0)2 98 220 171, Email: [email protected] NATO: Tel: +44 (0) 1923 956574, Fax: +44 (0) 1923 956575. Email: [email protected] IMB PRC: Tel: +60 3 2031 0014, Fax: +60 3 2078 5769, Email: [email protected] / [email protected] CONCLUSIONS The risk reduction and control has to focus on all levels of the organization in the risk reduction implementation, on a continuous and broad awareness when monitoring of the different activities and on adapting countermeasures accordingly during voyage. This development would ideally involve several industry stakeholders on company, legislative and political levels which also include the development of specific and continuous education and training for the crew on ship security.
