Marine Security Advisory: 04/2012 - Pirates Increase Targeting Of Vulnerable Ships

Office of Deputy

Commissioner of

23 May 2012

Marine Security Advisory: 04/2012

Subject: Pirates Increase Targeting Of Vulnerable Ships

Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master;

Somali based pirates have become more determined and more selective in their targets. With more ships carrying armed security guards and fewer successful hijackings, it is anticipated that the size of ransom demands will increase and violence against seafarers will intensify to force ransom payments. Somali based pirates are changing their tactics, such as attacking in larger groups (swarming); perform test-runs toward vessels to test anti-piracy measures, including presence of armed security guards, and are more persistent in their attacks on vessels demonstrating limited resistance. The Somalia based pirates have demonstrated an increase in fire-power and relentlessness. Once pirates have determined weak resistance from a targeted vessel, they will stay with that vessel and carry out multiple attacks.

A vessel not capable of at least 18 knots with low/medium free-board and with limited selfprotection measures will be the Pirate's target of choice.

To date, the most effective counter-measures against Somalia based pirates have proven to be speed, the use of Citadels and presence of armed security guards.

Vessels being attacked more than 200 nautical miles from the Oman/Somalia coasts in the Arabian Sea cannot be expected to be within immediate reach by the Coalition Forces.

For any vessel scheduled to navigate within the High Risk Area, the Administration strongly encourages Owners and Operators and Masters to ensure their vessels and crew are prepared, including:

• Perform detailed route/re-route/voyage-planning and risk assessments
• Register their vessels with MSCHOA/Report to UKMTO (required)
• Implement appropriate anti-piracy protection measures per BMP version 4
• Ensure communication equipment, SSAS equipment and LRIT is operable
• Give wide berth to any unidentified small vessels
• Continuously monitor piracy warnings, alerts and advisories
• Consider the responsible use of armed security personnel

For more information please contact the Security Department at telephone + 1 703 790 3434; email security@liscr.com; LISCR Duty Officer + 1 703 963 6216 email: dutyofficer@liscr.com

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