Piracy, Armed Robbery and Conflict at Sea - 2024-25 Edition

The Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the measures seafarers should take to protect against, prevent, respond and recover from an incident of piracy, armed robbery or conflict at sea.

Current threat profiles and up-to-date guidance is outlined, including the latest international and regional regulatory guidance, to aid seafarers in understanding the complexities of security challenges at sea and for each individual voyage.

The book details the security measures needed on board to protect against attacks, as well as how to create and implement a successful ship security plan, as required by the ISPS Code. Practical security measures, including the creation of the citadel, are listed in detail, as well as international and national cooperation schemes in place. Advice for navigation and passage planning in areas of high risk is also given, alongside details of training programmes that should be in place for crew and onshore staff.

This Guide also provides step by step advice to be followed in the event of an attack on board, including ship damage mitigation measures, medical considerations, guidance for hostage situations and the preparation and response to missile, mine and drone attacks. It also outlines considerations for the ship management team such as responding to ransom requests and media management and communication.

Annexes provided include useful reporting forms and reference checklists for each stage of an incident (protect, prevent, respond and recover).

Part A ? Preparation ? Understanding the Security Challenges

Section 1 The Threat to Ships

Section 2 Regions, Areas and Trends

Section 3 Industry Guidance

Part B ? Protection

Section 4 Security Measures On board

Section 5 Navigation and Operations in Areas of Piracy, Armed Robbery and Conflict

Section 6 Other Security Measures

Part C ? Prevention

Section 7 International and National Cooperation

Section 8 Training and Education

Part D ? Response

Section 9 Initial Response to an Attack On Board

Section 10 Ongoing Incident Management On Board

Section 11 Post-Incident Response

Annexes

Annex A Reporting Forms and Contact Information

Annex B Checklists

International Chamber of Shipping

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, representing shipowners and operators in all sectors and trades. ICS membership comprises national shipowners' associations in Asia, Europe and the Americas whose member shipping companies operate over 80% of the world's merchant tonnage.

Established in 1921, ICS is concerned with all technical, legal, employment affairs and policy issues that may affect international shipping.

ICS represents shipowners with the various intergovernmental regulatory bodies that impact on shipping, including the International Maritime Organization.

ICS also develops best practices and guidance, including a wide range of publications and free resources that are used by ship operators globally.

https://www.ics-shipping.org/about-ics/

Witherbys

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.