New BMP5 issued on practices against piracy
A new revised version of Best Management Practices against Piracy has been published under the title BMP 5, replacing the previous BMP 4 version. A more generic and risk based approach in the new version makes it more effective and easily implemented by shipping industry.
Key Changes
BMP 4 was a publication titled “Protection against Somalia Based Piracy”. Now, BMP 5 is focusing to “Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea”. The area specific (Somalia based) threat, has been replaced by a generic area term in order to include all additional piracy threats generated by other players in this area (Yemen, Aden straights, open ocean threat to Indian ocean and Arabic sea).
This publication is further supported by revised guidance for Companies (Global Counter Piracy Guidance) and updated Guidance for Golf of Guinea (Guidelines for owners, operators, masters operating in the GoG). The new edition is more comprehensive as in 77 pages includes a more structured informative guidance against the previous 95 pages of version 4.
Specifically, the three fundamentals of BMP 4; register at MSCHOA; report to UKMTO and implement ship protection measures have now revised under a more generic/streamlined approach to:
- Understand the threat
- Conduct risk assessments
- Implement ship protection measures
- Report
- Cooperate
A more risk-based approach
The new version of BMP has a different approach to antipiracy measures implementation. The Risk/threat identification and understanding plays a key role to this edition. Additionally the implementation of antipiracy measures follows the conducted risk assessment necessary for all vessels planning to transit through identified areas of risk.
It important to focus on the fact that as in BMP 4 the HRA was clearly established (latitude – longitude), in BMP 5 reference is made to Security chart Q6099. This means that any area change will be introduced through the chart change and not by a BMP amendment.
Registration format MSCHOA changes
New items in respect of vessel constructions and applicability/availability of antipiracy measures have been added in the registration format MSCHOA. A new approach also has been incorporated in Incident reporting. The report has been divided in three parts in order to give a better situational frame for reported incidents:
- Vessel Details
- Incident Details
- Status and Support Requests
Finally, a new Voyage Reference card has been introduced in the new version, in order to guide an operator through all steps of BMP implementation.
An overall outcome for the BMP 5, is that in less pages, it contains more structured information and guidance, following the most common path of risk identification- risk assessment- risk mitigation (through antipiracy measures) – reporting, to be more effective. It is of essence therefore that ship operators having in mind the above should review their SMS procedures contingency plans and already existing Ship Security plans in order to be in line with new practices.
Recommended Actions for Implementation
Ship managers and owners should review the existing Ship Security Plans in respect with the new guidance and implement any additional measures or practices. A shipboard training is required to verify the crew’s familiarization with the security measures and best practices proposed by new BMP editions.
Annex I: Voyage Reference Card (as included in BMP 5)
Understand the threat
- Get threat information
- Review guidance
- Review Rules for the Use of Force
Assess the risk
- Conduct risk assessment
- Identify ship protection measures
Protect the ship and crew
- Harden the ship
- Test critical equipment
- Brief/train the crew
- Extra lookout/radar watch
- Control access
- Follow military advice
Do not be alone
- Report to UKMTO
- Register with MSCHOA
- Report incidents
- Send DISTRESS if attacked
UKMTO
+44(0)2302222060
watchkeepers [at] ukmto [dot] org
MSCHOA
+441923958545
www.mschoa.org
Cooperate with:
- Other shipping and military forces
- Local law enforcement
- Welfare providers
You may also find more details on BMP5 at SAFETY4SEA [link1, link2]
See also our related product
SQEMARINE may provide guidance and support services to the Ship Security Plans revision upon request.
