In Bight of Benin, Gulf of Benin and Gulf of Giunea
The threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has continued to grow. New cases of piracy and armed robbery aboard vessels along the West African coast are being regularly reported,
Due to the continuous increase in the number and intensity of piracy, robbery and armed attacks against ships operating in coastal waters and calling the ports in Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon, ships are advised to implement increased security measures and operational precautions.
It is advisable to ensure that the transit along shipping routes between Ghana and Nigeria, as well as to the south toward Cameroon and Angola, is well planned and supported by adequate security. Vigilance, crew preparation, watch rotations and other relevant security measures are all recommended when approaching ports in this region.
The Administration recommends owners, operators and Master’s implement the following procedures to further enhance the security and piracy deterrence in addition to the procedures required by setting the MANDATORY SECURITY LEVEL 2 for all Liberian flagged vessels when calling on ports, and operating in the coastal waters of Togo, Benin, Nigeria and
Cameroon.
The increase to Security Level II will remain in effect until further notice.
Ships arriving in the affected area are required to report setting of SECURITY LEVEL II to the Administration via e-mail to [email protected].
Masters are advised to remain vigilant and question the intentions of all craft approaching their vessels and follow below instructions:
– Navigate as far as possible from the coastlines of threat areas.
– Master’s are advised to keep in close coordination with the CSO, Authorities, and Administration.
– Constant radio watch should be maintained with the appropriate shore or naval authorities.
– Keep a constant radar watch and closely monitor all targets.
– Maximize human surveillance and the visibility of people and security measures
– Refresh the crew regarding all the anti piracy measures as recommended by the ship security plan.
– Brief the crew regarding special security measures taken, before arrival to this region.
– Ensure that ship’s crew understands their part in all anti piracy measures, and have all the necessary security training required.
– While underway, consider using maximum lighting available consistent with the ship’s safe navigation.
– Using spotlights and floodlights to enhance visibility of the deck and areas
surrounding the vessel.
– Using lighting to enhance visibility of the surrounding water and waterline.
Rig all the available equipment necessary to deter pirates from coming on board, such as, charging fire hoses.
– Limit access to vessel to a single controlled access point while at anchor or in port; and sealing all accommodation and stores access while underway.
– Limit carriage of cash on board, reducing the temptation for piracy and robbery.
– When possible, avoid dropping anchor. Drift and have main engine on standby to depart the area, if necessary.
– Use evasive maneuvers or heavy wheel movements to deter boarding, provided that navigational safety allows while underway.
– Complete a Declaration of Security and implement highest security measures necessary.
Source: The Republic of Liberia
