Togo implements new anti-piracy measures

Safety requirements

As reported in the recent Gard Alert “Piracy – increasing number of attacks in the Gulf of Guinea“, West African piracy attacks are increasing, both in number and range, and Gard’s Members and clients using anchorages in the Gulf of Guinea are advised to be vigilant and maintain anti-piracy watches and measures at all times.

Compliance with Best Management Practices (BMP) is recommended as the “default” position but a full risk assessment should be part of the area specific evaluations. The BUDD Group, Gard’s correspondent in Togo, reported on 26 June 2012 that the Togolese government has reached an agreement with security companies for the provision of armed guards for vessels at anchorages in the port of Lome and has provided the following information and recommendations:

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

A. What you have to do:

a) When dropping anchor, vessels should be 3-4 NM from Benin and Ghanaian territorial waters, giving Togolese Navy Patrol Boats sufficient time and distance to chase any attacking pirates.

b) Vessels must be equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio to enable the Togolese Navy to identify them quickly in case of an attack. c) Use normal communication procedures during pirate attacks, i.e., radio a mayday call

B. What you should not do:

a) Never establish a relationship with the fishermen, in particular with fishermen from neighbouring waters other than Togolese waters or with fishermen from Togo with no registration numbers on their fishing boats.

b) Do not enter into any illegal relationships/business with shipping agencies and/or their staff. Do not have any dealings with the agents without the knowledge of the port authorities.

A penalty/fine will be imposed on any vessel which fails to follow any of the above regulations.

Source: The Gard P&I Club