Piracy - Best Management Practices

In response to the many piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden, several industry organisations including the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Maritime Bureau, BIMCO and the International Group of P&I Clubs have participated in the development of “Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Coast of Somalia”.

The information is intended to complement the IMO guidelines set out in MSC/Circ.623 “Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships”.Particular attention should be paid to Section 2(b)(i) of the Best Management Practices document which states:

“It is strongly recommended that managers and/or the operations department register their ships and passage plan prior to transit of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) with the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)”

Once registered with MSCHOA, vessels about to enter the Gulf of Aden or approaching the coast of Somalia and while passing through these areas are advised to follow the voluntary reporting scheme operated by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office in Dubai.

Attention is also drawn to OCIMF’s booklet on “Piracy – The East Africa/Somalia Situation” which has just been updated. In common with Best Management Practices, this publication is also supported by the International Group of P&I Clubs. Hard copies are available from the Club on request.

Members seeking further information should contact the Loss Prevention department.