Global's BMP - Section 8
Action on Attack and/ or Boarding
General
There are a number of specific actions that may be taken if the crew suspects the ship is under an attack.
A ship could quickly come under attack with little or no warning at any time. This reinforces the need for good lookout, both visual and radar. Attackers using weapons seldom open fire until they are very close to the ship e.g. two cables.
Using whatever time available, no matter how short, to activate any further additional protective measures and plans will make it clear to the attackers that they have been seen, and that the ship is prepared and, will resist attempts to board.
When a ship is at anchor it is unlikely that attackers can be detected and determined as threatening with sufficient warning to enable the ship to get underway and without exposing crew members on the upper deck (particularly the forecastle and bridge wings) to danger.
Suspicious approach
An approach by small craft may be a prelude to an attack. The Master should be ready to:
- If underway, increase speed and manoeuvre away from the approaching small craft as much as possible to open the distance between the ship and the attackers. Thereafter, steer a straight course to maintain maximum speed. Consider evasive actions if the circumstances dictate and allow.
- Minimise crew movement and confirm the ship’s personnel are in a position of safety or warned to be ready to move.
- Activate the ship security alert system (SSAS) which will alert the company and flag state. Put out a distress alert.
- Activate the Emergency Communication Plan.
- Maintain contact with the relevant reporting centre preferably by telephone for as long as it is safe to do so. On receipt of information in relation to an attack, the reporting centre will inform the appropriate national maritime operations/law enforcement centre and in some cases military if in the area, and should ensure all other ships in the immediate vicinity are aware of the event.
- Place the ship’s whistle on auto to demonstrate to any potential attacker that the ship is aware of the attack and is reacting to it. Initiate the ship’s pre-prepared emergency procedures such as activating water spray and other appropriate self-defence measures.
- Ensure that the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is switched ON.
- Confirm external doors and, where possible, internal public spaces and cabins, are fully secured.
When under attack
When under attack, the following actions should be taken, as appropriate:
- Make a distress call on VHF and all available means.
- Confirm the attack has been reported to the relevant reporting centre.
- Confirm the SSAS has been activated.
- If underway, commence small alterations of course whilst increasing speed to deter the boarding craft from lying alongside the ship in preparation for boarding. These manoeuvres will create additional wash and make the operation of small craft difficult. To avoid a reduction in speed, large alterations of course are not recommended.
- All crew, except those required on the bridge or in the engine room, move to the safe muster point or citadel. The crew should be given as much protection as possible should the attackers get close enough to use weapons.
Action if the ship is boarded
If the ship is boarded then the following actions should be taken:
- Stop the engines and take all way off the ship if possible and navigationally safe to do so.
- All remaining crew members to proceed to the citadel or safe muster point. The whole concept of the citadel approach is compromised if any of the crew are left outside before it is secured.
- Ensure all crew are present in the citadel/safe muster point.
- Establish communications with the company and any relevant military/law enforcement authority (see the annexes).
Action if attackers take control
If attackers take control of the ship, violence or the threat of violence is often used to subdue the crew. The chance of injury or harm is reduced if the crew are compliant and cooperative and the following considered:
- STOP ALL MOVEMENT WHEN THE ATTACKERS HAVE TAKEN CONTROL AND TRY TO REMAIN CALM.
- Offer no resistance once the attackers reach the bridge and the crew have not moved to a citadel. The attackers will be aggressive, highly agitated and possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When directed, all movement should be calm, slow, and very deliberate. Crew members should keep their hands visible at all times and comply fully. This will greatly reduce the risk of violence.
- Leave any CCTV or audio recording devices running.
- Do not take photographs.
- DO NOT attempt to confront the attackers.
- DO NOT make movements which could be interpreted as being aggressive.
- DO exactly what they ask and comply with their instruction.
Kidnap
Kidnap can occur in any region where a threat of piracy and armed robbery exists. Where a ship is hijacked, seafarers may be taken ashore to be held for ransom.
Each company should have a policy in place to cover the eventualities of kidnap and ransom.
The following principles serve as guidelines to seafarers to survive a kidnapping:
DO NOT:
- Be confrontational.
- Offer resistance.
- Take photographs.
DO:
- Be positive.
- Be patient.
- Keep mentally active/occupied.
- Keep track of time.
- Reduce stress where possible by remaining physically active when possible.
- Remain calm and retain dignity.
In the event of military action
In some areas military or law enforcement action may be provided to assist ships under attack in certain circumstances. On these occasions ship’s crew should keep low to the deck and cover their head with both hands, with hands visible. On no account should personnel make movements which could be interpreted as being aggressive:
- Do not take photographs.
- Be prepared to be challenged on your identity. Brief and prepare ship’s personnel to expect this and to cooperate fully during any Naval/Military action on board.
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