CREW THREATENED USING A WEAPON OR EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
BOMB THREAT
A) Receipt Of Threat
TREAT ALL BOMB THREATS SERIOUSLY!
On receiving the threat
If a bomb threat is delivered by letter, after reading it, try to ensure it is handled as little as possible and preserved for handing to authorities.
If a bomb threat is received by telephone or radio,
Immediate action
Responsibility
Identify who the caller is and try and ascertain what organization, if any he belongs to.
Ask for a motive
Ask where the bomb is placed
Ask what type of device it is
· Ask when is it set to go off
Ask when the device was placed
Person receiving the call
Try to keep the caller engaged in conversation as long as possible, whilst if possible notify the Master or Ship Security Officer.
Person receiving the call
By a separate means of communication ship’s staff should try to set up a communication link with the nearest port authority, Contracting government and CSO and report the matter
Master /SSO
Listen for background sounds or other information that may place the callers location
Person receiving the call
Make note of the information as ascertained from the caller on paper for subsequent use of the security personnel ashore
Person receiving the call
Evaluate if the threat is genuine from information provided by the caller. Unless there is adequate information to believe that it is a hoax, a bomb search must be carried out
Master / SSO
Sound Emergency Alarm and prepare to search the vessel for the Bomb, if at sea. Activate SSA system
If in port, evacuate to a safe location on the jetty in discussion with PFSO
Master
B) Bomb Search
If location is not known, then commence searches as follows –
Immediate action
Responsibility
If at sea or anchor search lifeboats first to ensure your escape route is clear. Search pathways to lifeboats from all points
3/O, Bosun, AB, AB Pumpman
Next search areas where shore personnel last had access to
C/O, 2/E + Crew designated by them depending on where persons last seen
Next check the locks or seals on restricted areas to see if any are broken or tampered with – this will give you an indication if something has been placed within. However remember that the bomb planter may have been able to pick locks and reclose them.
Then search points where personnel may be present and be hurt by an explosion such as:
· Bridge and associated stores/spaces
· Engine Control Room/Cargo Control Room
· Switchboard Areas, Galley and Mess rooms
· Muster Stations
· Bunker tank areas
· Specific Machinery Areas such as Steering Gear, Hydraulic Control Rooms, Fire Fighting control spaces
· Locations in vessel under the waterline and close to the hull
2/O, AB
4/E, E/O, Jr. Engr
CCK, GS. TRCK
BOSUN, AB, AB
4/E. Jr. Engr,
2/E, 3/E, OILER
C/O, 2/E, Pumpman, OS
Then search areas that may cause maximum damage to the vessel or environment. Look for any rope suspended over the shipside from the railings or object on deck near tanks with cargo
BOSUN, AB, AB, Cadet
Then search individual spaces -
Every crew member to search his own cabin, locker and area adjacent to his cabin
All crew
Then divide the search into three –
One team searches externally around the accommodation
One team searches common areas within the accommodation such as hydraulic room, cable ducts, alleyways, toilets, games rooms, changing room, store rooms, laundries
Then search the forecastle spaces and any other spaces left
BOSUN, all other available crew
Search guidelines
Note - A clean and tidy ship helps searchers immeasurably when searching for a foreign object.
· Look for any object that does not fit in normally.
· Each person should search his own accommodations space and his work space that he is familiar with.
· When searching a common room use two men. Search from left to right with one searching high and the other low.
· Use dog leg mirrors and torches if possible to look under or behind objects.
· After searching a space mark it as searched, so it is not inadvertently searched again. Remember time is of essence.
· When searching in the engine room allot two men to each platform. Again search from left to right, one man searching high and the other low. Mark spaces already searched.
· Do not waste time at first searching behind panelling that has to be unscrewed or lifted off with difficulty unless there are definite indications that it has been disturbed.
c) DISCOVERY OF BOMB / EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
The following action should be considered in case of discovery of a bomb or
suspected explosive device.
Immediate action
Responsibility
Do not attempt to move or interfere with the device in any way
Crew discovering the device
Inform OOW/SSO/Master. Do not use portable radiotelephone sets within 10 meters of the suspected object as the radio waves can trigger off certain explosive devices. Move away behind a sheltered bulkhead.
Crew discovering the device
Sound emergency alarm and announce location of explosive device
OOW
Crew Muster on open deck well away from the location of the explosive device
All crew
At sea, activate the Ship Security Alert System and broadcast a urgency message
In port, Communication made with shore authorities by quickest means possible (VHF or Mobile phone).
Report to CSO if possible.
Master
Describe the device, take digital photo if possible and transmit
SSO
Clear the area in six planes and cordon off
SSO
Do not handle or pull any wires or touch any switches
All crew
If the device is in an enclosed space, keep all openings open so as to diffuse any blast
SSO
Move people away from the bomb and not the bomb away from people. Establish protective cover such as sandbags, mattresses if it is not possible to move people or vital equipment away
SSO
Keep fire fighting and first aid equipment ready
SSO
Follow instructions given from professionals ashore responding to the security incident
Master / SSO
Remember there may be more than one bomb or device
All crew
If the bomb is very large or next to extremely flammable cargo/oils or if its explosion may seriously threaten the watertight integrity of the ship, plan for evacuation
Master
If evacuating, then following principles to be borne in mind:
· At sea, as far as practicable, use the Lifeboats on the farther side of the location of explosive device
· In port, use the ship’s gangway for escape to the jetty if device is located in the accommodation block or forecastle space.
· If device is located in midship area, then escape using the lifeboat embarkation ladders or pilot ladders rigged at a suitable remote location on the ships side in the aft part of the vessel.
All crew
d) ACTUAL DETONATION OF AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
The actual detonation of an explosive device could result in a variety of situations requiring prompt action from the ship staff. The Master should consider the following guidelines while responding to such a situation. The contingency response should take into account the ISM procedures for response to flooding, damage control and human injury, which could be a consequence of an explosion.
Immediate action
Responsibility
Sound emergency alarm and announce location of explosion as soon as known
OOW
At sea, activate the Ship Security Alert System. In port inform the PFSO / Port Authority
Master
Crew Muster on open deck well away from the location of the explosion
All crew
Activate fire fighting teams and fire fighting installations as required to tackle the situation
SSO
Assess the damage and its effect on the stability of the vessel
SSO
If there is imminent danger to the watertight integrity of the vessel and to the life of crew, plan for evacuation. Broadcast a distress message if at sea. In port, evacuate to the jetty and move clear of the ship to the area identified by shore responders
Master
If evacuation is not required, the establish and maintain contact with nearest Contracting Government or Port Authorities and the CSO
Master
Where damage can be controlled and vessel operations restored, this should be communicated to the shore authorities and CSO. Damage control measures should be applied to control the situation
Master
Cordon off the damaged area, if possible. If pieces of the explosive device or ordnance still remain on the ship do not disturb them as they may provide invaluable forensic evidence
Master / SSO
3. DIRECT ATTACK
The following action should be considered in case of threat or actual direct attack against the vessel by watercraft, underwater device, gunfire, missiles or other means
Immediate action
Responsibility
Sound emergency alarm and announce nature of attack
OOW
At sea, activate the Ship Security Alert System. Broadcast a distress message if possible.
In port, Communication made with shore authorities by quickest means possible (VHF or Mobile phone).
Report to CSO if possible
Master
Crew Muster in the safest possible area with as many steel bulkheads between them and the attackers as possible, yet with easy access to evacuation points
All crew
Try to steer the vessel towards what is regarded as safest possible route away from the area, increasing speed if possible
Master
Report the incident by the quickest means possible, maintain contact with authorities as continuously as possible
Master
Keep emergency response equipment such as fire pumps, ballast pumps fully ready
SSO
Evaluate damage and take mitigating action. Remember safety of life is paramount followed by safety of the ship, its cargo and the environment
SSO
If there is imminent danger to the watertight integrity of the vessel and to the life of crew, plan for evacuation.
Master
Communicate all information to the persons responding to the alert from the nearest Contracting Government or Port facility and comply with the instructions issued by them for response to the situation. Inform CSO
Master
CREW THREATENED USING A WEAPON OR EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
The following action should be considered in case persons using a weapon or explosive device threaten crew or any of the ship staff.
Immediate action
Responsibility
Report the situation, if possible. Use special code words to indicate Distress and Duress to the OOW/SSO/Master
Crewmember threatened
Pass information regarding presence of intruders to Master
OOW
Sound emergency alarm
OOW
At sea, activate the Ship Security Alert System. If possible, broadcast a distress message
In port, Communication made with shore authorities by quickest means possible (VHF or Mobile phone).
Report to CSO if possible.
Master
Crew to muster within the accommodation
All crew
All open entrances to accommodation and machinery spaces sealed from within
All crew
Keep calm and advise all crew to keep calm. Do not try to resist the armed boarder unless as a last resort in a clear life threatening situation
Master/SSO
If crewmembers are taken hostage, try to establish
How many boarders
Sex
How they are armed
Nationality / language spoken
If and which terrorist group they belong to
Their demands to secure the release of the crewmembers
If any deadlines have been set to meet these demands
Master / SSO
Communicate all information to the persons responding to the alert from the nearest Contracting Government or Port facility and comply with the instructions issued by them for response to the situation
Master
5. FORCED ENTRY/HIJACK
This section deals with situations where the vessel has been taken over by terrorists or armed boarders after forcing their way on board and with a view to hijack the vessel.
If the intruders take control of the vessel, it must be assumed they wish to use the vessel as a means of attack or establish a hostage situation. Actions taken on board should be aimed at preserving human life and Master shall do his utmost to ensure the safety of the crew on board.
Immediate action
Responsibility
Activate the ship security alert system, if possible
Master
Keep calm and advise all officers and members of crew to keep calm. Do not try to resist armed terrorists unless as a last resort in a clear life threatening situation.
Master /SSO
Ensure the continued safe navigation or operation of the ship
Master/OOW
Offer reasonable co-operation. Terrorists are very nervous and aggressive at the incident. Calm behavior of the master and officers may mitigate the strain of terrorists.
All crew
Try to establish what terrorist group is involved as early as possible.
Master/SSO
Try to increase the number of access point to the vessel, without risk. This includes unlocking of doors leading to open decks to facilitate escape or rescue.
All crew
Without suggesting what they may be, seek to establish the hijackers’ demands and what deadlines have been set for meeting them.
Master / SSO
Try to prolong the negotiation by tactful means in order to improve the chances of a peaceful ending to the hostage situation.
Master / SSO
Be polite, co-operative. Do not show hostility or aggression.
All crew
In the event or in anticipation of military action,
Do not react to strangely dressed newcomers.
Do not attract attention to any unusual activity.
If shooting, or the loud command “GET DOWN”, is heard immediately lie face down, cover ears, close eyes and slightly open mouth. Do not move until an “all clear” is given.
If the loud command “STAND STILL” is heard then freeze immediately.
If the location of terrorist bombs or weapons is known, inform a member of the military assault force as soon as possible.
Do not shelter or hide terrorists.
· Do not take photographs of the military assault force.
All crew
While it cannot be predicted what situation would develop on board the vessel after it is hijacked, the following points should be brought to the attention of crew while training for response to such scenarios.
1) There is always danger that a terrorist may get excited. Among the terrorist there exist those who have abnormal character, and seek an excuse for murder. This excuse is intentionally built up by misunderstanding.
2) Hijackers are unlikely to understand how a particular ship works, its capabilities and limitations and may be suspicious about routine operations. They need be relieved through trust of ship’s personnel who respond without deception.
3) Assume that the incident will be prolonged. The longer incidents drags on, the more likely they are to end without injury to the hostages.
4) Recognize that hostages will feel isolated during the incident, as they will be unaware of steps being taken by the company and/or government authorities on their behalf. This can lead to antagonism against the authorities and sympathy for the terrorists. Every effort will be made to end the incident with the utmost emphasis on the preservation of life and personal safety of all innocent parties involved.
5) Understand that establishment of a reasonable rapport between hostages and captors, is likely to reduce the chances of the terrorists acting violently against their hostages.
6) Be aware that at some stage in the incident a confrontation between the terrorists and outside authorities may occur. Before this confrontation, an opportunity may arise or may be created to pass information about the hijackers, such as their number, descriptions, sex, how they are armed, how they deploy themselves, how they communicate with each other, their cause, nationality, language(s) spoken and understand, their standard of competence and their level of vigilance, and whether any of the hostages have been separately identified as to nationality, religion or occupation (e.g. ex-armed forces personnel).
7) Wherever and whenever possible, the hijackers should be encouraged to surrender peacefully and should be discouraged from mistreating crew.
8) Following the incident, the master and his crew should avoid talking to the press and other media persons about the methods used to resolve the incidents.
6. ATTEMPTED / DISCOVERED SMUGGLED GOODS
This section includes drugs, suspected drugs and contraband illegally smuggled on board.
All drugs are extremely dangerous and some can even be absorbed through the skin. Hence, the following points must be strictly observed when a substance suspected to be drugs, is discovered:
Immediate action
Responsibility
Handle the contraband as little as possible to avoid tampering with any fingerprint evidence that may be available on the parcel
Person discovering the contraband /SSO / Master
· Do not feel, handle or touch the substance without skin protection and face mask
· Do not inhale powders, fumes or vapors
· Do not rush into action of any kind
· Do not smoke near the substance or expose to heat or flame
· Under no circumstances taste, eat or drink the suspected substance
· Always wash your hands and brush your clothing free of any contamination as soon as possible
· Ensure adequate ventilation and safe electric lighting is available when storing large quantities in a secure area
Person discovering the contraband /SSO / Master
Remove contraband to a safe place that can be locked. Guard the space, if necessary.
SSO
Record the discovery in the Official Log Book giving full details of the date, time, location, approximate quantity, name of person detecting, names of witnesses etc.
Master
Secure any wrapping material located near point of discovery. Mark the location of the contraband and do not disturb the items in the area.
SSO
Consider searching other spaces of similar nature.
SSO
Report the discovery to the company and appropriate authorities at next port of call BEFORE entering the territorial waters of that country.
Master
Do not allow anyone to leave the vessel until interviewed by appropriate authority.
SSO
STOWAWAYS
Stowaways may stow away for a variety of reasons ranging from economic, to avoidance of persecution, to entering another country with the aim of creating harm.
Prevention is the best method of avoiding a stow-away problem and a thorough search of the ship, accommodation and engine room, stores and all possible hiding places, including spaces such as rudder trunks must be carried out, especially prior departure from ports where the stow-away menace is prevalent. Other measures such as gangway control and exhorting stevedores to exercise headcount control can be used as well. Keeping all spaces that can be safely locked in such state and regular checks of locks is also a preventative measure.
However if a stowaway is discovered at sea, the following shall be done:
Immediate action
Responsibility
Ascertain his (their) identity by questioning.
If no documents are found, question the stowaways to discover their full name, date and place of birth, home address, name of both parents and family members and any other information that may help in identifying their nationality.
Master / SSO
Search the areas where he (they) may have concealed identity documents, and also for any objects he (they) may have brought with him (them)
SSO
Report the presence of stowaway and any harmful objects brought by him, to the authorities at the next port, CSO and the Administration.
Master
Stowaway to be housed in cabin / space capable of being secured when he is inside and his movements monitored when he is outside this space
SSO
As long as the stowaway remains on board, treatment meted to him should maintain human dignity
All crew
Closely guard the stowaways when the vessel is in port to prevent them from escaping.
SSO
Every effort should be made to remove the stowaway by legal means at the next port of call.
