Marine Security Advisory: 05/2016 - Guidelines for protection against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea region
23 August 2016
Marine Security Advisory 05/2016
This document is archived. It is kept for reference and may have been superseded.
23 August, 2016
Marine Security Advisory: 05/2016
Subject: | Guidelines for protection against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea region |
Ref: | (a) Maritime Security Chart Q6114 2nd Edition |
(b) Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for protection against | |
(c) BMP4 |
To Shipowners/Operators/Masters of Liberian flagged vessels;
Purpose
This Advisory updates previous Liberian Administration guidance for Liberian flagged vessels operating off the coasts of littoral states in the Gulf of Guinea Region and coastal/territorial waters off the Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and south to Namibia.
Background
Piracy and armed robbery (hereafter referred to as piracy) in the Gulf of Guinea region is an established criminal activity and is of increasing concern to the maritime sector with recent attacks becoming more widespread and violent, Although piracy in the Gulf of Guinea region in many ways differs from that of Somalia based piracy, large sections of the Best Management Practices already developed by industry to help protect against Somalia based piracy are also valid in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Area for consideration
Pirates in the Gulf of Guinea are flexible in their operations so it is difficult to predict a precise area of falling victim to piracy.
However, recent incidents suggest that the area is liable to change. For the purpose of this Advisory the area off the coasts of Nigeria, Togo or Benin can be regarded as an area in which the counterpiracy management practices should be considered.
Mandatory Security Level equivalent to Level II shall be set when operating in or transiting West African waters, defined by the following boundaries:
In addition to the Ship Security Assessment required in the ISPS Code, the voyage specific risk assessment should address, but not be limited to, the following:
FROM: (Southernmost Tip of Cape Blanc*) | TO: |
*20-45N 17–00W | 20-45N 20-00W |
20-45N 20-00W | 10-00N 20-00W |
10-00N 20-00W | 00-00N/S 09-45W |
00-00N/S 09-45W | 00-00N/S 00-00E/W |
00-00N/S 00-00E/W | 10-00S 10-00E |
10-00S 10-00E | 17-15S 10-00E |
17-15S 10-00E | **17-15S 11-45E |
(Angola / Namibia border**) |
Security Level equivalent to Level II is required to ensure higher vigilance and tighter controls to protect against possible acts of piracy, illegal boarding and stowaways.
Upon change of Security Level Masters should report to the Administration via email to security@liscr.com.
Reporting to Marine Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG):
The recently established MDAT-GoG is a service operated by the French and UK navies from centers in Brest, France, and in Portsmouth, England and aims to develop, maintain and share details of the maritime domain picture of the waters off Africa’s western seaboard. The MDAT-GoG administers a Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA) scheme under which merchant vessels are encouraged to report position information while operating in the VRA.
The VRA as shown on Admiralty Chart Q6114 has been issued to clearly define an internationally recognized area, so ship operators and vessels transiting, trading or operating in West Africa can join a trusted reporting scheme. The provision of Admiralty Chart Q6114 to all vessels operating in the VRA is strongly recommended.
These provisions include following reporting.
WHEN: | TYPE OF REPORT: |
Entering the VRA | MDAT-GoG Initial Report |
Underway within the VRA | MDAT-GoG Daily Position Report (12:00UTC) |
Arriving at a Port within the VRA | MDAT-GoG Final Report |
Leaving a Port within the VRA | MDAT-GoG Initial Report |
Exiting the VRA | MDAT-GoG Final Report |
Suspicious or Irregular Activity | Suspicious or Irregular Activity Report |
The Center will provide advice and guidance on the maritime security situation and on mitigating the risk of armed robbery or other unlawful activities.
The MDAT-GoG provides a 24-hour manned service of military experts. The MDAT-GoG receives reports, shares important updates and provides guidance on vessel operating patterns, security risks with the Gulf of Guinea maritime community.
In addition, the Administration strongly recommends owners, operators and Master’s ensure full consideration is given to the Guidelines developed by BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO, and supported by the NATO Shipping Centre. Although piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is different from Somali piracy, large sections of the current Best Management Practices will also be applicable to the pirate attacks on vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Guidelines aim to bridge the gap between the advice found in BMP4 and the prevailing situation in the Gulf of Guinea. Consequently, the Gulf of Guinea guidelines should be read in conjunction with BMP4 as they will make reference to BMP4 when relevant.
Action:
Prior to a vessel entering the affected area, CSO’s should review the Ship Security Assessment (SSA) and ensure full consideration is given to the Guidelines in conjunction with BMP4.
For more information please contact the Security Department at telephone + 1 703 251 2405 email security@liscr.com.
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