THE Nautical Institute has launched a Maritime Security handbook to help seafarers, shore-based staff and those working in the maritime security industry cope with piracy.
Nautical Institute issues handbook on how to cope with pirates
THE Nautical Institute has launched a Maritime Security handbook to help seafarers, shore-based staff and those working in the maritime security industry cope with piracy.
It gives practical guidance on preparation and training before entering a high-risk area, self-protection measures while within it and survival strategies if taken hostage.
This includes effective implementation of the industry's Best Management Practices (BMP), the onboard implications of taking on armed guards, building a disciplined and supportive onboard team and ensuring immediate action ashore should the worst happen.
"We must remember that piracy is killing seafarers and destroying lives and livelihoods. Despite some recent successes in combating it, there is no acceptable level of piracy," author Steven Jones said.
The Nautical Institute identified piracy as a "major disincentive" to remaining in the seafaring profession in its Strategic Plan 2011-2015.
Speaking at the London launch, the Institute's president, Sivaraman 'Krish' Krishnamurthi, said: "Pirate attacks violate people in the vessels that serve as their workplaces and their homes. We hope this handbook brings attention back where it deserves to be - on the plight of seafarers whether actually in the hands of criminals or facing that threat."
Maritime security personnel will also find the handbook useful in understanding how things work onboard ship. "Many of the guards have a military rather than a seafaring background. This book will help form a bridge between them and the seafarers they seek to protect. It will help them to understand the pressures masters and others face at times like these," said Capt Krishnamurthi.