Guidelines for an effective Ship Security Plan for yachts not required to hold ISPS Code Certification
SECURITY
1. The ISPS Code
1.1 Background
In response to the terrorist attacks of 11th September 2001 and the perceived risks to ships and the danger of ships being used for terrorist purposes, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) began extensive work towards modifying the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 (as amended) and creating the new International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
An IMO diplomatic conference convened in December 2002 adopted a series of amendments to SOLAS which include a new Chapter XI-2 solely addressing ship security. A two part International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was also adopted, Part A of which is mandatory and Part B of which provides guidelines regarding the provisions of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS 1974, as amended, and Part A of the Code. The Code came into force on 1st July 2004.
On 30th April 2004, the Minister responsible for the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) passed the Registration of Merchant Ships (Ship Security) Regulations 2004, S.I. No. 90 of 2004 Regulations (visit www.immarbe.com/maritimesecurity.html) giving legal effect in Belize to the ISPS Code insofar as these relate to ship security. This Statutory Instrument (S.I.) has identified IMMARBE as the Administration and outlines the latter’s responsibilities in relation to ship security measures for all Belize registered vessels to which the ISPS Code applies.
1.2 Application
Insofar as yachts are concerned:
- All commercial yachts of 24m or above and 500 GT or more (The Super Yacht Code) which are engaged in international voyages carrying 12 passengers or less are required to comply.
- Subject to any applicable local regulations, commercial yachts of 24m or above and less than 500GT (The Large Yacht Code) which are engaged in international voyages carrying 12 passengers or less are exempt. However, we recommend that large yachts in commercial use comply.
- Subject to any applicable local regulations, commercial yachts of less than 24m (The Small Yacht Code) carrying 12 or less passengers are exempt.
- All private yachts are exempt.
2. IMMARBE'S Maritime Security Guidelines (visit www.immarbe.com/maritimesecurity.html).
2.1 IMMARBE has issued Maritime Security Guidelines in order to assist all concerned in the better understanding of the way in which the security measures are administered and enforced in Belize.
2.2 As stated in 1.2 above, although all private yachts are currently exempt and only commercial yachts which are engaged in international voyages carrying more than 12 passengers, referred to as passenger vessels, are required to comply, there are nevertheless, several national regulatory bodies which are considering its extension to cover large yachts. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that security is of primary importance to yachts which some consider are even more vulnerable to attack by virtue of their size and some of the exotic, isolated areas in which they often operate. We therefore recommend that all Owners/Operators/Managers and Masters of Belize registered yachts, whether commercial or private, familiarize themselves with IMMARBE's Maritime Security Guidelines and in particular with:
- Attachment 2 thereof: This section showing the names and contact details of those in our Administration who have been designated to be available at all times to receive and act upon ship-to-shore security alerts from Belize registered vessels. These are summarized as follows:
Contact Person(s):
| Libardo Brú: |
Security Coordinator |
Mobile: +501-610-2155 |
| Demetrio Cortes |
Security Coordinator |
Mobile: +501-610-5417 |
| Abilio Dominguez |
Security Coordinator |
Mobile: +501-610-5418 |
Security email: security@immarbe.com
Marked for their attention.
During office hours:
Tel:+501-223-5026
+501-223-5031
+501-223-5047
+501-223-1237
+501-223-1356
|
Fax: +501-223-5048
+501-223-5070
+501-223-5087 |
After office hours: Mobile: +501-610-5419
Libardo Brú: Technical Manager
Security email: security@immarbe.com Marked for his attention.
During office hours:
Tel:+501-223-5026
+501-223-5031
+501-223-5047
+501-223-1237
+501-223-1356 |
Fax: +501-223-5048
+501-223-5070
+501-223-5087 |
After office hours: Mobile: +501-610-2155
- Attachment 4: Guidelines regarding threats to ships and other incidents at sea, an adapted version for yachts is printed hereunder:
GUIDELINES REGARDING THREATS TO YACHTS
AND OTHER INCIDENTS AT SEA
Our Guidelines as to the considerations and measures which might be taken in relation to threats to yachts and other incidents at sea are as follows:
1. General
At sea, yachts are most vulnerable to attack while sailing near land and passing through narrow channels where maneuverability is limited. Pirates might steal any valuable item on a yacht or even the yacht itself. Carrying large sums of money on board should be avoided if possible. If pirates learn about such funds, it may invite an attack.
Pirates have been known to monitor communications. Therefore, discussions regarding information about a ship’s cargo or valuables should be avoided. Crewmembers going shore should also be advised not to discuss details about their passengers or itinerary.
Smaller ships and ships with fewer crewmembers e.g. yachts are more vulnerable to attack. To compensate, owners/operators/managers may wish to consider implementing additional security measures and/or installing appropriate surveillance and detection equipment, such as closed circuit surveillance systems, which may be monitored from a central location.
Early detection provides an opportunity to sound alarms, implement security procedures, contact authorities for assistance, illuminate a suspect craft, and take evasive maneuvers. Maintaining vigilance and enhancing security measures and procedures are the best deterrents to avoid an attack. In case of an imminent attack, the Master should notify our Administration immediately.
Pirates may feign distress as a trick to get close to a yacht. As a consequence, any ship – including junks, fishing boats, yachts, and dhows – should be considered as a potential threat.
If a Master determines it is necessary to invite people onboard, only one person should be transferred at a time. The individual should be carefully searched. Security should be at a high level of alert with lookouts maintained on all sides of the yacht.
The following are additional security guidelines for consideration:
- Brief crewmembers on the risks of being attacked by pirates or armed bandits.
- Secure the bridge, engine room, steering gear compartments, officers’ cabins, and crew accommodations.
- Carefully plan any response to an apparent attack and ensure the crew is appropriately trained.
- If possible, avoid high-risk areas and bottlenecks.
- Consider delaying the ship’s arrival if there is a high threat from piracy at a port and if a berth is not immediately available so as to minimize the ship’s vulnerability whilst awaiting its turn to berth.
3. Security Measures at Sea
When approaching or sailing through high-risk areas:
- Augment bridge watches and lookouts.
- Establish additional watches on the stern and where there are visual and radar “blind spots”.
- Equip watches with low-light binoculars and/or night-vision goggles.
- When monitoring nearby ships, give additional attention to small craft matching the speed of the yacht or traveling parallel to the yacht.
- Ensure someone responsible for communications remains on duty.
- Maintain radio communications with appropriate shore and naval authorities.
If a suspicious ship at sea approaches in a threatening manner:
- Increase speed and alter course if safe to do so.
- Not to allow the ship to come alongside; do not respond to messages by radio, light, or hailing.
- Note details of the threatening ship and video or photograph the ship if possible.
- At night, switch off the weather deck lighting; direct searchlights at the approaching ship.
- Keep personnel clear of the weather deck.
4. In the event your yacht is seized by pirates etc.
- Remain calm and direct others to do the same; do not resist armed pirates unless there is a clear life-threatening situation.
- Ensure the safety of the yacht and personnel according to maritime practice.
- Initiate Security Alarm, if possible.
- Broadcast a distress message, if possible.
- Offer reasonable cooperation; try to establish a reasonable rapport.
- Try to identify the number of attackers.
- Attempt to increase the number of egress points.
- Attempt to determine the demands of the hijackers, as well as potential deadlines.
- Use secure communications if available for negotiators to talk with the hijackers.
- The Master and crew should not attempt to negotiate with the hijackers unless directed by authorities.
Following an attack, you should submit immediately to IMMARBE a report which shall include information on the identity and location of the ship, any injuries or damage, a description of the attackers and other material information.
5. Terrorism
You should be aware that:
- Maritime Authorities are concerned that a ship might be turned into a weapon not unlike the jetliners that were crashed into the World Trade Centre in New York. A ship could also be used to smuggle a weapon of mass destruction to a port, which is then detonated.
- A suspected member of the Al Quaeda terrorism network attempted to enter Canada illegally using a container which had been modified with a bed, battery-powered heater, toilet, and enough water for the three week voyage to Toronto.
- Terrorists may attempt to gain access to a ship by infiltration or assault. In preparation for an attack involving the maritime industry, terrorists are likely to conduct surveillance of potential targets.
Vigilance and adherence to these guidelines are of vital importance.
6. If your yacht is operating in the territorial sea or has communicated an intention to enter the territorial sea of a Contracting Government where a threat exists, you should receive advice from the relevant maritime authorities concerning special security measures.
YOU ARE REMINDED THAT THE ABOVE ARE ONLY GUIDELINES AND ARE SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE REGULATIONS IN SOLAS CHAPTER XI-2, THE ISPS CODE, THE REGISTRATION OF MERCHANT SHIPS (SHIP SECURITY) REGULATIONS 2004 AS WELL AS TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 13 OF THE GUIDELINES “MASTER’S RESPONSIBILITY.” |
