Enhanced security measures for vessels transiting the Singapore and Malacca Straits

LISCR issues Marine Security Advisory

The Republic of the Liberia has issued Marine Security Advisory regarding enhanced security measures for vessels transiting the Singapore Straits, Malacca Straits, the water of Mangkai and the Anambas Islands in the South China Sea and operating in the coastal waters of Malaysia and Indonesia.

ReCAAP ISC has reported that an alarming number of significant incidents in Southeast Asian waters have taken place over the past year. Theseincidents involve siphoning of marine gas oil/marine diesel oil, robbery of scrap metal and pettytheft. In these incidents, the pirates/robbers appeared to be well organized and have good knowledgeof the victim ship.

The Advisory provides the Administration’s recommended procedures to further enhance thesecurity and deter piracy and armed robbery for vessels transiting these areas.

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Vessels transiting or operating in the affected areas should implement measures in accordancewith the ship’s security plan equivalent to Security Level 2.

Given that the masters are often required to follow multiple reporting procedures in these difficultcircumstances, it is necessary to simplify these procedures as far as operationally feasible. It is therefore recommended that in the event of an occurrence masters should report all actual orattempted attacks of piracy and armed robbery or threats thereof, to:

(i) ReCAAP ISC per MSC.1/Circ.1334

(ii) the Administration, and

(iii) the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre

For the purpose of identifying suitable measures of prevention, mitigation and recovery in caseof piracy or armed robbery, a ship and voyage specific risk assessment should be carried outprior to entering the above described area and included as an Appendix to the Ship SecurityPlan.

In addition to the Ship Security Assessment required in the ISPS Code, the voyage specific riskassessment should address, but not be limited to, the following:

The threat (who are the perpetrators, what do they want to achieve, how do they attack, howdo they board, which weapons do they use etc.)
Background factors shaping the situation (visibility, sea-state, traffic patterns e.g. othercommercial ships, fishermen and human traffickers etc.)
Possibilities for co-operation with military (escorting, employment of Vessel ProtectionDetachments, registering with authorities etc.)
The ship’s characteristics/vulnerabilities/inherent capabilities to withstand the threat(freeboard, speed, general arrangement etc.)
Ship’s procedures (drills, watch rosters, chain of command, decision making processes etc.).

Other requirements dictated by company and insurance policies should also be taken intoconsideration.

The Administration recommends Owners and Operators advise their Masters to follow theseadditional procedures as a minimum:

Remain vigilant and question the intentions of all craft approaching their vessels. Navigate asfar as possible from the coastlines of threat areas.
Keep in close coordination with the CSO, Authorities, and Administration. Emphasize extrasecurity measures by adding more security personnel and roving watches as necessary.
Constant radio watch should be maintained with the appropriate shore or naval authorities(for details of Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Coast Radio Stations refer to Admiralty Listof Radio Signals).
Keep a constant visual & radar watch and closely monitor all targets (suppression of rain andsea clutter will effect detection of small targets).
Maximize human surveillance and the visibility of people and security measures. Refresh thecrew regarding all the anti-piracy measures as recommended in the ship security plan.
Brief the crew regarding special security measures taken, before arrival to this region.
Ensure that vessel’s crew understands their role in all anti-piracy measures, and have all thenecessary security training required.
While underway, consider using maximum lighting available consistent with the ship’s safenavigation.
Use spotlights and floodlights to enhance visibility of the deck and areas surrounding thevessel.
Use lighting to enhance visibility of the surrounding water and waterline.
Rig all the available equipment necessary to deter pirates from coming on board, such ascharging fire hoses.
Limit access to vessel to a single controlled access point while at anchor or in port; andsealing 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 stand by to increase speed and leave thearea if need be.
Provided that navigational safety allows while underway, evasive maneuvers, or heavy wheelmovements.
Complete a Declaration of Security and implement increased security measures necessary