Being Prepared for Increased Threat at Sea

Maritime security will continue to remain in focus in 2020 in consideration of the increasing threat of West Africa Piracy, concerns to shipping in Straits of Hormuz and Arabian Gulf due to tensions between US-Iran, and random piracy activity spikes in Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

Piracy and geopolitical tensions will be the apical security concerns this year for shipmanagers. It is an industry threat that calls for more shouldering of responsibility by maritime players and governments.

Recent piracy activities off West Africa, and Singapore Strait, are indication that we should never let our guard down even in “safer” waters and continue firm diligence to deny any opportunities to pirate gangs.

Countries engaging in warfare and political unrest are danger-zones for seafarers.

As appointed shipmanagers, Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM) plays a very proactive role to ensure our managed vessels and crew arrive at their destinations safely when transiting risky waters.

We have a setup dedicated solely for security. This has been very fruitful for keeping assets under our care safe and secure. We play an active advisory role to Management who in turn keep owners and other stakeholders informed on Maritime Security issues and concerns.

Risk preparation begins from the vessels’ HRA transits reporting compliance, internal audits, sensitive ports’ feedback calls and intelligence reports for monitoring.

Vessels

Notify intent to transit

06

transit

08

feedback & completed checklist Owner WSM

Send latest security information to vessel & management

Verify commence transit checklist & implement self protection measures

Owner considers requirements & gives approval to proceed with route

Commence transit Owner WSM

All parties monitor center

CSO, vessel manager, fleet manager / general manager, DPA / HSEQ conduct a risk assessment & review

Provide transit

Transit complete

Experience transfer (knowledge-share)

At WSM, we assess high risk areas based on salient industry guidelines such as BMP-5, EUNAVFOR Assessments, UKMTO Briefings, IMB, ReCAAP, BIMCO and Flag State Advisories/ Circulars and findings from Private Security Companies & Consultants.

During risk assessment, the following are some of the key considerations:

Physical attributes of a vessel can determine if they are at higher risk to attacks. Vessels with higher agility at speeding and manoeuvering capabilities can better thwart pirate attempts. If the vessel has machinery constraints or is deeply loaded, making a quick escape may not be an option. The overall design of a vessel can make or break forceful entry attempts by pirates. Higher freeboard (in axcess of 6 metres) are comparatively more difficult to board.

Certain geographical areas may be more risky than others. However, “safe” zones are known to have surprises. Better to remain vigilant at all times.

The crew are kept in check through internal reporting and during internal audits and inspections. This determines if they require more training and preparation for coming voyages.

Transiting dangerous waters are always unpredictable. While we can learn from reports, studies and experts, we believe that a well-prepared crew is the best defense a vessel can have.

Our crew undergoes training that encourages and builds good attitude towards surveillance.

Ship Security Training is required at Officer’s level and Security Awareness Training at Crew level. Trainings are focused mainly on establishing awareness. Participating in security drills onboard by officers and crew can also increase awareness and preparedness.

We received two very beautiful paintings from Capt. Sanjay Bakhru, Master on board Tomar. The Captain has sailed with Wilhelmsen for 30 years and worked his way up from a young cadet. The paintings were made by his daughter Palak Bakhru who is 12 this year. Little Palak said that she wanted to show her appreciation to Wilhelmsen for supporting seafarers like her father during this trying times.