Global Counter Piracy Guidance for Companies, Masters and Seafarers

This guidance is applicable to all ship types and complements regional guidance on piracy and maritime security. It covers the latest risk/threat assessment and ship protection measures. Masters’ responsibilities are also outlined, such as the development of an Emergency Communication Plan. Internationally applicable advice is given on the use of armed guards and on responding to all levels of a piracy attack.?

Piracy and armed robbery at sea is an organised and persistent criminal activity prevalent in many parts of the world. Attackers are often aggressive and subject their victims to violence and ill treatment. Ships have been hijacked, either for a ransom payment for the release of captive seafarers, theft of cargo or both. Some seafarers have been held hostage for several years.

Experience shows that applying the recommendations in this guidance will help ships to detect, avoid, deter or delay attacks.

Not all mitigation measures in this guidance will be applicable to every ship type or in every region. Companies, CSOs and Masters should use this guidance when conducting threat and risk assessments.

The purpose of this guidance is to protect seafarers, the ship and cargo. It also aims to facilitate threat/risk assessment and planning for voyages transiting areas where the threat of piracy attack and armed robbery exists.

Section 1 Introduction

Section 2 Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships Worldwide

Section 3 Voluntary Reporting

Section 4 Company Threat and Risk Assessment

Section 5 Company Planning

Section 6 Ship Master’s Planning

Section 7 Ship Protection Measures (SPM)

Section 8 Action on Attack and/or Boarding

Section 9 Post Incident Reporting

Section 10 Humanitarian Considerations

Appendix A Other Maritime Security Threats

Annex A Western Indian Ocean Region

Annex B Gulf of Guinea Region

Annex C Asian Region

Supporting Organisations

Supporting Naval/Military Forces/Law Enforcement Organisations