Global's BMP - Section 5
Company Planning
Company planning prior to entering an area of increased risk
This section details the procedures that should be undertaken by the company prior to a ship entering an area of increased risk identified through the risk assessment in order to mitigate against the risk of attack. It should be noted that pirate and armed robbery risk will vary across regions.
Register ship with relevant reporting centre
It is strongly recommended that companies register for access to all websites offering additional and updated information prior to entering an area of increased risk identified through the risk assessment. For example, the restricted section of the MSCHOA website and, the UKMTO website contain additional and updated information. Note that this is not the same as registering a ship’s movement – see below.
Obtain latest threat and risk information from designated regional sources
Great care should be taken in voyage planning and the company should obtain the latest threat information from the relevant websites (see the annexes as appropriate).
Review Ship Security Assessment (SSA) and Ship Security Plan (SSP) After completing the risk assessment, the company should review the ship security assessment and implementation of the ship security plan, ensuring that any necessary follow-up actions are taken as appropriate.
Put ship protection measures in place
The company should ensure the SSP highlights where and when SPMs and vessel hardening are to be in place for passage through 12an area of increased risk and, that this is exercised, briefed and discussed with the Master and the Ship Security Officer (SSO).
Monitor piracy related websites for current threats
Ensure that crews are briefed of any threats of piracy and armed robbery which may be encountered during the voyage. Company procedures should stipulate masters to monitor all NAV WARNINGS – SAT C (NAVTEXT in limited areas) as appropriate. (see the annexes as appropriate).
Offer guidance to the Master as to recommended route
Offer the Master guidance regarding recommended routeing through areas of increased risk identified through the risk assessment. Guidance should be provided on using recommended transit corridors or other supported routes (e.g. a Group Transit or National Convoys where these exist). If anchoring, consideration should be given to the use of protected anchorages where available recognising that standards of protection vary widely. The company should appreciate that the voyage routeing may need to be reviewed and amended at short notice in light of updated information.
Plan to maintain security of critical information
To avoid critical information falling into the wrong hands, consideration should be given to ensuring that:
- Communications with external parties are kept to a minimum with close attention paid to organising rendezvous points and waiting positions; and
- Email correspondence to agents, charterers and chandlers should be controlled and information within the email kept concise, containing the minimum information that is contractually required.
Company planning on entering an area of increased risk
Ensure that the appropriate registration and/or reporting forms have been submitted in accordance with the applicable reporting recommendations.
< Previous article: Section 4 - Company Threat and Risk Assessment