24 In areas where attacks occur, the ships’
masters should exercise vigilance when their ships are preparing to
anchor or while at anchor. Furthermore, it is important to limit,
record and control those who are allowed access to a ship when in
port or at anchor. Photographing those who board the ship can be a
useful deterrent or assist the identification of attackers who may
have had access to the ship prior to their attack. Given that attackers
may use knowledge of cargo manifests to select their targets, every
effort should be made to limit the circulation of documents which
give information on the cargoes on board or their location on the
ship. Similar precautions should be taken in regard to the circulation
of information on crew members’ personal valuables and ship’s
equipment, as these items are also targeted by attackers.
25 Prior to leaving port, the ship should be thoroughly
searched and all doors or access points secured or controlled. This
is particularly important in the case of the bridge, engine-room,
steering space and other vulnerable areas. Doors and access points
should be regularly checked thereafter. The means of controlling doors
or access points which would need to be used in the event of an emergency
on board will need careful consideration. Ship or crew safety should
not be compromised. Searches on board for intruders should be conducted
in such a way that the safety of the crew performing these duties
is not compromised.
26 Security guards employed in port or at anchorage
on different ships should be in communication with each other and
the port authorities during their watch. The responsibility for vetting
such guards lies with the security personnel companies, which themselves
should be vetted by the appropriate authorities.