Ame rican Club Circular No. 29/14 1 OCTOBER 6, 2014 CIRCULAR NO. 29/14 TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION Dear Member: PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY: GUIDELINES FOR OWNERS, OPERATORS AND MASTERS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST PIRACY IN THE GULF OF GUINEA AND ITS CONTIGUOUS WATERS Members will be interested to know that the Round Table of international shipping industry associations has released an updated version of Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for Protection Against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region (Guidelines). These Guidelines have been jointly developed by BIMCO, ICS, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO. Piracy and armed robbery in the waters off West Africa have become a problem of very serious concern to the maritime sector. Incidents have recently occurred as far south as Angola and as far north as Sierra Leone. These attacks have become increasingly violent, often involving firearms, and cases of kidnapping for ransom have also become more common. The global shipping industry has therefore acted in concert to update its existing Guidelines to take account of what has become a totally unacceptable security situation. Although the nature of the attacks against shipping in West Africa differs from that of Somalia-based piracy, the basic principles of the Best Management Practices (BMP), previously developed by the industry to help protect against piracy in the Indian Ocean, are also applicable. The Guidelines should therefore be read in conjunction with BMP4, and they are specifically tailored to the threat in West Africa, providing comprehensive advice on avoiding and deterring criminal acts and armed robbery in the region. The Guidelines also take into account new regional maritime security initiatives in West Africa, in particular, the Maritime Trade Information Sharing Centre for the Gulf of Guinea (MTISC GOG). This is now providing a focal point for information on countering piracy and maritime crime in the region. The Guidelines have therefore been released in conjunction with the launch of the new MTISC GOG website which includes regional maritime security guidance and MTISC GOG reporting procedures so as to help ensure a coordinated approach amongst ships operating in the Gulf of Guinea. As a reminder, Members are encouraged to visit the Club’s new website section on piracy and armed robbery at http://www.american-club.com/page/piracy. This new section of American Club Circular No. 2 9/14 2 the website provides updated information on frequently asked questions on this subject, guidance for Members on the hiring of private maritime security companies, as well as relevant industry links on piracy and armed robbery. For any questions regarding piracy and armed robbery at sea, Members are requested to contact the Managers. Yours faithfully, Joseph E.M. Hughes, Chairman & CEO Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for THE AMERICAN CLUB 1 Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for Protection against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region (To be read in conjunction with BMP4) 1. Introduction Piracy and armed robbery (hereafter referred to as piracy) in the Gulf of Guinea region is an established criminal activity and is of increasing concern to the maritime sector. With attacks becoming more widespread and violent, including the increase in kidnapping for ransom, industry has now identified an urgent need to update these Guidelines. They also now take into account the regionally established Maritime Trade Information Centre (MTISC). A