ReCAAP ISC in collaboration with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) have jointly published a guide for tankers operating in Asia against piracy and armed robbery involving oil cargo theft.
The aim of this guide is to illustrate the threat of piracy and armed robbery against ships (‘sea robbery’) in Asia, particularly incidents involving oil cargo theft; and to assist ships to avoid, deter or delay such incidents; as well as post-incident management. This guide serves as a prelude to a regional guide on piracy and armed robbery against ships which will be published in due course. The regional guide will take into consideration the occurrence of incidents involving all types of ship while underway and at ports and anchorages in Asian waters. That being said, until the publication of the planned regional guide, it is noted that some if not all of the recommendations made in this Guide can potentially be applicable to other types of ships.
Preventive Measures
Training of crew on anti-piracy drills and evidences preservation is critically important and strongly recommended. Also CSO and ship master should ensure that there is a proper ship security plan in place. This includes the installation of ship protection measures (SPMs), screening of crew, conduct of crew briefing/training, proper planning of voyage by avoiding vulnerable areas, if possible, maintaining confidentiality of the voyage route, as well as defining the AIS, reporting procedures and policies, etc.; prior to the start of the voyage.
There is no better way to address the problem of piracy and sea robbery other than to be ready, prepared and equipped before being confronted with it. Ship owners and CSOs must continually review their ship security plans and standard operating procedures by keeping abreast of the latest situation in the region, especially the vulnerable areas. After considering the modus operandi adopted by perpetrators in past cases of oil cargo thefts and risk assessment, the following are recommended measures to be taken by the ship manager, ship master/crew before the voyage.
To seek immediate response from the enforcement agencies at sea, ship master should report to the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) of the coastal State, and ship owner/ operator upon notified by the master to report to the flag State and ReCAAP Focal Point; as in accordance with the IMO MSC.1/Circ 1334 on Guidance to ship owner, ship operator, ship master and crew on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships. The flow diagram of the IMO MSC Circular 1334 for reporting of incidents in Asia is as shown below
Further details may be found by clicking at the guide below
Source: ReCAAP ICS
