1 of 2 NOVEMBER 19, 2008 CIRCULAR NO. 21/08 TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION Dear Member: PREVENTION OF ACTS OF PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AGAINST SHIPS: INDUSTRY INFORMATION Your Managers believe that the following information will be of interest to Members in this area of increasing concern to shipowners and operators worldwide. Background The current year has seen an increase in the number of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships. Most notoriously, these have taken place off the coasts of Kenya and Somalia, and in the Gulf of Aden. Sadly, however, the threat of piracy remains a global concern. Since 2004, the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code has been in effect. The purpose of the Code is to provide a standardized, consistent framework for the prevention of terrorism, piracy and armed robbery against ships through the setting of appropriate security levels and the implementation of corresponding security measures. Members are obviously encouraged to take all possible measures to prevent acts of piracy and armed robbery. They are urged to ensure that the possibility of such acts is taken into account in ship security assessments and preventative measures are properly reflected in shipboard security plans (SSPs), particularly for those areas where piracy and armed robbery represent clear and persistent dangers. This Circular provides contact details on three specific areas concerning the prevention of piracy and armed robbery against ships: 1. General information —sources of information on preventative measures. 2. Piracy reports and reporting —websites that maintain up-to-date information on locations and incidences of piracy and armed robbery. 3. Maritime security services —companies that can provide both active and consultative services in the prevention of piracy and armed robbery. Sources of information on the prevention of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships General information • Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) The ShipMaster’s Security Manual: 2 of 2 www.bimco.com/Corporate%20Area/Publications/Publications/The_ShipMasters_Sec urity_Manual.aspx • International Chamber of Shipping (ICS): www.marisec.org/piracy/index.htm o ICS/ISF Pirates and Armed Robbers: Guidelines on Prevention for Masters and Ship Security Officers: http://www.marisec.org/piracy/general%20guidance.htm • International Maritime Organization (IMO): www.imo.org o IMO Guidance to shipowners and ship operators, shipmasters and crews on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships (MSC/Circ.623/Rev.3): www.imo.org/INCLUDES/BLAST_BINDOC.ASP?DOC_ID=941&FORMAT=PDF • Maritime Security Council: www.maritimesecurity.org Piracy reports and reporting • BIMCO Piracy reporting service (BIMCO Members only): www.bimco.org and security advisories can be provided to security@bimco.org • International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre: www.iccccs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30&Itemid=12 • Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) (military patrolled channel areas): www.marad.dot.gov/Headlines/advisories/2008-05.html • Sea-Sentinel: www.sea-sentinel.com • Threats to Shipping Worldwide: www.nga.mil/portal/site/maritime Maritime security services • Aegis Defense Services: www.aegisworld.com • Drum Cussac: www.drum-cussac.com • Gray Page: www.graypagelimited.com • Hart Security: www.hartsecurity.com • Secure Marine: www.secure-marine.com Further information For further information, please