Guidance for when ships come under attack BMP

Pirates carrying weapons do not usually open fire until they are very close to the ship, e.g. within two cables.  

Use whatever time available, no matter how short, to activate any additional protective measures and plans. This will make it clear to the attackers that they have been seen, the ship is prepared and will resist attempts to board.  

In the event of a suspicious approach, or if in any doubt, call UKMTO without delay.  

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Stages of an Attack

Below you will see the stages of an approach.

Approach Stage  

Attack Stage  

As the attackers get close the following steps should be taken:  

• Reconfirm all ship’s crew are in the safe muster point or citadel as instructed by the Master.  

• Ensure the SSAS has been activated.  

• If not actioned, report the attack immediately to UKMTO (+44 2392 222060) by telephone.  

• As the attackers close in on the ship, Masters should commence small alterations of helm whilst maintaining speed to deter skiffs from lying alongside the ship in preparation for a boarding attempt. These manoeuvres will create additional wash to impede the operation of the skiffs. 

• Large amounts of helm are not recommended, as these are likely to significantly reduce a ship’s speed.  

• Check VDR data is being saved.  

• PCASP, if present, will conduct themselves as governed by the RUF.  

• Actions on illegal boarding  

• If the ship is illegally boarded the following actions should be taken:  

• Take all way off the ship and then stop the engines.  

• All remaining crew members to proceed to the citadel or safe muster point locking all internal doors on route.  

• PCASP, if present, will follow procedures agreed with company and Master.  

• Ensure all crew are present in the citadel or safe muster point. This includes the Master, bridge team and PCASP.  

• Establish communications from the citadel with UKMTO and your company and confirm all crew are accounted for and in the citadel or safe muster point.  

• Stay in the citadel until conditions force you to leave or advised by the military.  

• If any member of the crew is captured it should be considered that the pirates have full control of the ship.  

Experience has shown that the pirates will be aggressive, highly agitated and possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  

Hijack – hostage situation  

The model of pirate action groups, particularly off West Africa is to hold the crew for ransom. It should be remembered it is in the interests of the pirates to keep the crew in such a condition so as to ensure ransom payment.  

Each company or organisation should have a policy in place to cover the eventualities of kidnap and ransom.  

The following principles serve as guidelines to surviving a kidnapping.  

Military Intervention

Brief and prepare the ship’s crew to cooperate fully during any military action onboard and instruct crew as follows.

  DO

• Keep low to the deck and cover head with both hands.

• DO keep hands visible. 

• DO be prepared to be challenged on your identity. 

• DO cooperate fully with military forces.

DO NOT

• DO NOT make movements that could be interpreted as aggressive. 

• DO NOT take photographs.

• DO NOT get involved in activity with military forces unless specifically instructed to.