Steering Through Risk: How to Handle Security Protocols in Piracy-Prone Waters

 🛡️ “Steering Through Risk: How to Handle Security Protocols in Piracy-Prone Waters”

❓Is your vessel truly prepared for West African transit?

❓Do your crew members know what to do if pirates attempt boarding?
❓Are you following BMP WA and UK DFT guidelines to the letter?

 

🔍 Understanding Charter Party Security Requirements in High-Risk Areas

Navigating piracy-prone waters like the Gulf of Guinea isn’t just about seamanship—it’s about legal compliance, meticulous planning, and crew confidence. A robust security plan aligned with BMP West Africa (WA), flag state guidance (e.g., UK DFT), and charter party obligations can be the thin line between safe passage and operational crisis.

Let’s dive deep into the operational and legal expectations typically embedded in charter party clauses regarding vessel transits in high-risk regions (HRRs).

 

📜 Clause Breakdown & Industry Context

Most charter parties contain explicit or implied terms requiring:

• Full compliance with BMP WA
• Vessel risk assessments tailored for voyage-specific threats
• Reporting to regional authorities (e.g., MDAT-GoG)
• Maintaining Security Level 2
• Keeping all stakeholders (owners, managers, CSO) fully informed

 

🚩 Implications & Real-World Scenarios

1. Failure to Follow BMP WA = Breach of Charter
If a vessel skips BMP protocols or does not register/report to MDAT-GoG, it could be seen as a breach of charter obligations, opening owners to claims for delay or risk exposure.

2. Crew Anxiety = Operational Errors
Crew unfamiliarity with citadel procedures, security drills, or watchkeeping roles increases the likelihood of mistakes during real threats. Confidence-building via pre-arrival security meetings is critical.

3. Documentation is Everything
Owners must prove that all measures were taken—meaning detailed records of drills, meeting minutes, photos of security setups (e.g., razor wire, guards on duty), and RA documents are essential.

 

💡 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

🚫 Assuming one-time drills are enough
🚫 Delayed reporting or vague MDAT-GoG messages
🚫 Incomplete Risk Assessments or missing RA sign-offs
🚫 Not assigning roles clearly to security guards or vessel crew

 

🧭 Actionable Steps for Masters, Operators, and Managers

✔️ Hold Pre-Transit Security Meetings
Include crew briefings using materials from BMP WA, Ambrey, and DFT guidance. Build awareness, not just instructions.

✔️ Maintain Security Level 2
As advised by the flag (e.g., UK DFT), ensure visual confirmation of measures—razor wires, citadel readiness, and restricted crew activity.

✔️ Send Daily Reports to MDAT-GoG
Accurate and timely reports show proactive risk management. Always use BMP WA Annex D format and reflect changes in ETA.

✔️ Use Security Guards Strategically
Assign guards with clear zones (gangway, main deck, forecastle). Their vigilance complements crew security watch.

✔️ Keep Engines Ready + Suspend Routine Maintenance
During high-risk transit, vessel must be ready for evasive manoeuvres. Engine room to be manned; deck/engine jobs to pause.

✔️ Protect All Communication Channels
No email clutter—only essential reporting to stakeholders. Avoid overloading bandwidth with irrelevant reports or attachments.

 

🧠 Best Practices Based on BMP WA & DFT Guidance

• Ensure citadel is satellite phone-equipped
• Do not turn off AIS unless legally justified and recorded
• E/R to be manned and normal work suspended during transit
• Prepare vessel-specific RA (Risk Assessment) with photographic evidence
• Keep security guards briefed and logged in the onboard SSAS records

 

✅ Wrapping Up: Security is a Process, Not a Checkbox

From charter compliance to seafarer safety, preparing for West Africa or similar HRR calls demands full-spectrum vigilance. Your actions before, during, and after port calls can define operational success—or trigger unwanted consequences.

🚨 Don’t leave security to chance.
🔐 Build crew confidence, follow the BMP WA playbook, and document everything.

 

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or operational advice. All guidance should be validated with your company’s CSO, Flag State, or maritime security provider before implementation.