The Industry Associations of BIMCO, ICS, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO & OCIMF supported by over forty maritime stakeholders, released on 31 March a consolidated and enhanced publication Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security (MS).
The BMP Maritime Security consolidates previously published regional publications into a single, comprehensive publication with actionable insights and advice. It focuses on providing a threat and risk management process and, recognising the dynamic nature of regional security situations, provides signposts to direct users to the most up-to-date security intelligence and risk assessment information. BMP MS is now available to view on the industry website here.
From the conflict in Ukraine to the Red Sea Crisis, the dangers faced by shipping have increased to a severity not seen in two generations. This new global BMP continues the shipping industry’s unswerving commitment to protecting seafarers and mitigating threats to the trade on which we all depend.
… said Guy Platten, Secretary General, of ICS. Meanwhile, David Loosley, BIMCO Secretary General & CEO noted that 2024 saw an unprecedented spike in attacks against merchant ships. Ships were attacked with weapons of war in the Black Sea and in the Southern Red Sea more than one hundred times, and four innocent seafarers lost their lives.
The guide provides comprehensive information on maritime security, covering a range of essential topics. It begins with an overview of maritime security threats, followed by detailed instructions on conducting threat and risk assessments. The guide also offers guidance on effective planning, mitigation measures to protect against risks, and incident response procedures. Post-incident protocols are included to ensure proper follow-up actions.
BMP Maritime Security provides a consolidated resource that helps vessels proactively manage risk, safeguard the welfare of crews, and enhance maritime security resilience worldwide. People are our key asset, so IMCA is proud to support this initiative.
… commented Iain Grainger, Chief Executive, IMCA.
Additionally, the guide features annexes on reporting and information centres, seafarer welfare support, and a maritime lexicon with abbreviations for easy reference.
The fundamental requirements of BMP
To counter the threat, existing BMP guidance has greatly improved the industry’s ability to understand, detect, and deter maritime security threats in recent years, but the advice needs to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat environment. In BMP Maritime Security, users can navigate easily to different sections and link directly to external sources.
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Understanding the Threat
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Dynamic nature: Maritime threats are constantly evolving.
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Current information: Obtaining up-to-date information is crucial for effective threat and risk assessment and decision-making.
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Conducting Risk Assessments
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Assessment: Companies must conduct thorough threat and risk assessments.
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Ship mitigations: Identify and implement measures to protect the crew and ship.
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Crew training: Ensure the crew is well-briefed and trained.
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Situational awareness: Know your operating environment.
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Guidance: Comply with Flag State requirements, industry guidance, and implement military recommendations where appropriate.
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Reporting
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Voluntary registration and reporting: Register and report to regional centres as appropriate.
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Incident reporting: Report incidents and suspicious activities to recognised reporting centres and the Flag State Administration.
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Distress signals: Send distress signals when under attack.
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Cooperation
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Shipping and military forces: Cooperate with other ships and military forces as necessary.
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Law enforcement: Work with relevant law enforcement and authorities to preserve evidence.
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Welfare providers: Collaborate with welfare providers to provide psychological and/or logistical support.
Additionally, the publication includes various diagrams that provide valuable learning opportunities. The publication includes a significant section detailing global authorities and, importantly, appropriate contacts and tools for seafarer welfare support.
Through our joint work, we should collectively ensure that these practices reach and empower every vessel, requiring sustained cooperation between frontline crews, whose dedication keeps global trade moving, and security resources and expertise.
… said Kostas G. GKONIS, PhD, Director / Secretary General, INTERCARGO.
Additionally, Tim Wilkins, the Managing Director of INTERTANKO, stated that as seafarers navigate conflict and armed threats, it is the duty of shipowner representatives to provide them with the most up-to-date information and guidance to ensure their safety.
In the current heightened threat environment, where seafarers face unprecedented security challenges, the maritime community needs clear advice on how to manage threats, the risks, and the best mitigations to implement.
… commented Karen Davis, Managing Director, OCIMF
Moreover, intended to be used in conjunction with BMP Maritime Security, Maritime Industry Security Threat Overview (MISTO) provides an overall understanding of the prevailing security threats and supports the threat assessment process detailed within BMP Maritime Security. The MISTO will be updated every 3-6 months.
READ THE CONSOLIDATED BMP PUBLICATION HERE
