ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) provided an insight into the incidents reported in Asia during January-September 2023 reporting a 37% increase in incidents of armed robbery and discussed security concerns of vessels transiting the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) with maritime stakeholders, during a recent dialogue.
During the dialogue, the Centre launched a new poster with contact details of Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) of littoral States in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore to facilitate timely reporting of incidents by ships. The Centre also launched an Interactive Dashboard (Re-VAMP) for detailed analysis of piracy and sea robbery incidents.
In the poster (click on image below) RECAAP shares the following best practices:
Preparation measures when planning voyage
- Identify areas of concern
- Make Ship Security Plan (SSP) based on risk/ threat assessment
- Plan passage to prevent attack/ unauthorized boarding
- Maintain updated list of reporting channels of coastal State enforcement agencies
- Carry out briefing and conduct drills to familiarize crew with SSP and Vessel Harding Plan (VHP)
Measures to be instituted when sailing
- Maximize alertness and enhance vigilance
- Close all doors and hatches to prevent access to compartments
- Maintain best speed to prevent unauthorized boarding
- Master to regularly update the crew on prevailing security situation
- Alert duty watch when entering areas of concern and maintain communication with the shipping company
Response and report when boarded
- Sound alarm, maintain calm, do not confront or resist the perpetrators
- Report immediately to MRCC/ VTS and coastal State enforcement agency on contact details provided/ indicated
- Muster and head count of crew, and wellbeing of crew and treatment meted out by perpetrators
- Report loss/ damage to ship’s property
Collection of evidence and investigation in post boarding
- Cooperate with local/ coastal State authorities for investigation
- Provide evidence and information about the perpetrators to enforcement agencies, including photos, CCTV footage and videos, if available
