Chapter 3
Pirate Zone Preparation CH-3 Of all the difficult situations that seafarers face at sea, experiencing a pirate attack is
definitely the most freighting one. No matter how much sailing experience a person has, when it comes to crossing piracy affected areas, one needs to be extremely careful and vigilant.
For this reason on-board training and drills are conducted so that in case of a real pirate attack, the ship’s staff can take the right actions to avoid pirates from boarding the ship or hijacking the same.
Seafarers working on cargo ships are the most affected by piracy activities as they have no other choice but to cross the piracy prone areas to deliver the cargo.
Most of the ship owners prefer to brave the piracy affected waters as it is more cost effective (as fuel is a major component of operating cost) than taking a longer route.
Crew Performing Piracy Watch. Image Credit: Ruslan Karpovas 101
Do’s and Don’ts Before Entering the Pirate Waters -
• Inform international maritime security centre or other relevant authority
• Most of the Hull & Machinery insurance companies required to be notified if the ship intends to cross the HRA. Master needs to inform the H&M company
• Follow the IMO publication Best Management Practices, which specifies guidelines for actions to be taken while transiting piracy infested waters. It also elaborates various shipboard measures to identify, deter or escape a pirate attack
• Before transiting piracy area, vessels are advised to follow the reporting procedure established by UKMTO which is the primary body to be informed in event of a pirate attack. UKMTO is the first agency to respond as soon as it receives any information about a pirate attack.
• UKMTO coordinates its actions against piracy through a well established information network and sharing system among various warships and coastal security forces
• Rig up barb wire or electric fence around the ship
Pirate Zone Preparation CH-3
• Put extra barb fencing and other hindrance in the entry points of the ship such as gangway opening, pilot ladder opening etc.
• Prepare fire hose and check fire pumps for proper working condition
• Make sure all the engine room machinery systems are working properly and the main engine is available at all times
Barbed Wire Electric Fence. Image Credit: Sajeeb 103
• Position the non lethal weapon such as LSD or long range acoustic devices available on the ship
• If flexible hoses are used for any kind of oil or cargo transfer between ships and terminal, their condition must be thoroughly checked for wear and tear and rated pressure markings
• All the openings of accommodation from open deck must also to be shut and locked
• Water is a very good deterrent in case of pirate attack. Stress should be given on
readiness of fire, seawater and emergency pumps when transiting piracy infested waters
• All tools, pipes or spanners present on open deck and in stores should be secured and locked so that they are inaccessible to pirates, who would try to break the lock and take control
• Some small-time pirates or thieves might take away mooring ropes, container lashing or any other tools present on the deck. It is therefore advisable to secure them properly during anchorage or when berthed even when the ship is not present in a high risk area
• Blinds should be drawn against portholes and windows to ensure no light escapes out to give an indication to the pirates.
Pirate Zone Preparation CH-3
• Some ships might also switch off navigational lights, if required, during transit. Extra flashlights should be accessible to ship’s staff only
• Warning board posted above the razor wire can help to deceive pirates
• If the ship has a contract with private security guards for HRA crossing, vessel may need to divert for picking up the guards and drop them after the HRA
• The master needs to inform the charterers about this diversion
• Depending upon the company policy, hull &
machinery underwriters need to be informed about the boarding of armed
guards and where and when they will be dropped
Private Maritime Security Guard 105
“Strict 24 hour look out and watch from all other available means (radar etc.) to be kept. Every incident (even attempt to attack) must be reported.”
• After boarding the ship, the armed guard team will assess the security preparedness of the ship and may provide their own inputs to bridge about any security lapses
• The Master should ensure the crew is cooperating with the security team Crossing Pirate Waters:
• Bridge and engine room should be manned with responsible officers, sufficient in numbers
• Start an additional generator to avoid black out situation
• Keep a constant watch on all the sides of the ship
• Have a track of merchant vessels in the vicinity of your ship
• If any access is needed from accommodation to deck, only one access point should remain open and when not required should be shut and locked immediately
All crew members must go through the guide on recommended best management practices to counter piracy – Visit here.