INDUSTRY FOCUS MARITIME SECURITY Recently we held a webinar on maritime security and what it means for our industry and here we wanted to talk more about the subject. It is imperative that all of these areas are used in unison. It is now also extremely important to engage with intelligence and security providers to further mitigate the threat. Generic area assessments and vessel ‘hardening’ (e.g. use of razor wire, locking down accommodation, water jets over the ship rails) are insufficient.
THE THREAT IS REAL: Maritime security is not just box ticking In 2020, almost all of the key regions facing maritime security issues saw an increase in piracy and security issues leading to those regions now having either a substantial or severe risk of piracy. EAST AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN: SUBSTANTIAL East Africa & Indian Ocean - 17 incidents recorded between 1 January to 31 December 2020, the same
Maritime security is a term which covers issues that are related to national security, marine environment, economic development, and human security. This includes the world’s oceans but also regional seas, territorial waters, rivers and ports. In the maritime industry there are a series of measures to enhance security at sea called the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code. The SOLAS Chapter XI-2 applies to passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft, cargo ships, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards and mobile offshore drilling units. The key areas covered when talking about maritime security include:
number as recorded in 2019 SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA:
SUBSTANTIAL
South & Southeast Asia - 88 incidents recorded between 1 January to 31 December 2020, a 4% increase over 2019 WEST AFRICA: SEVERE West Africa - 138 incidents recorded by Crisis24 between 1 January to 31 December – 10% increase over incidents in 2019
Security Risk Assessments Security Alert Status Security Alert System Restricted Areas on board Restricted access to vessel Stowaway Prevention Training BMP
THREAT LEVEL
DESCRIPTION
Critical Severe
An attack is highly likely in the near future
An attack is highly likely
Substancial
An attack is likely
Moderate
An attack is possible but not likely
Low
An attack is highly unlikely
Over the last 18 months a number of incidents have occurred where vessels and crew have been taken, leading to significant negotiations and losses for ship owners.
04 WAY POINT // ISSUE 3
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