New antipiracy guidelines issued

With piracy attacks off Somalia expected to increase with the end of the monsoon season, an updated version of Industry Best Management Practices to deal with the threat has been released.

INTERTANKO says the the updated BMP "are of particular importance and urgency" as the monsoons are expected to end later this month.

A number of changes have been incorporated into the new version, based on lessons learned from vessels' owners/operators, and in cooperation with EUNAVFOR (the EU Naval Forces in the region), and also on improvements regarding communications and reporting.

The BMP updates include:

Weather and registration information

Transit Corridor systems

Additional protective measures

Ship maneuvering recommendations

Harmonizing piracy reporting

Streamlining contact information in the event of an attack

INTERTANKO, via its role as Merchant Navy Liaison Officer (MNLO) with EUNAVFOR's Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) has been instrumental in coordinating the revisions with the industry supporting associations.

DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED BMP HERE