The pirates/armed robbers begin to gain control and take one or more of the ship’s crew into their custody
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1334 – Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships – (23 June 2009)Guidance to shipowners and ship operators, shipmasters and crews on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships - Annex – Guidance to Shipowners, Companies1, Ship Operators, Shipmasters and Crews on Preventing and Suppressing Acts of Piracy1 and Armed Robbery1 Against Ships - The phases of suspected or attempted piracy/armed robbery attack - The pirates/armed robbers begin to gain control and take one or more of the ship’s crew into their custody

The pirates/armed robbers begin to gain control and take one or more of the ship’s crew into their custody

  76 If the attackers have gained control of the engine-room or bridge, have seized crew members or can pose an imminent threat to the safety of a ship, the master or officer in charge should remain calm and, if possible, seek to negotiate with the attackers with the intention of maintaining the crew’s control over the navigation of the ship, the safe return of any hostages they may hold and the early departure of the attackers from the ship. There will be many circumstances when compliance with the attackers’ demands will be the only safe alternative and resistance or obstruction of any kind could be both futile and dangerous. An extract from United Nations Guidance on surviving as a hostage is given in Appendix 4.

  77 In the event of attackers gaining temporary control of the ship, crew members should, if it is safe and practicable, leave Close Circuit Television (CCTV) records running.

  78 As there have been occasions when entire crews have been locked up, consideration should be given to secreting equipment within areas in which the crew could be detained to facilitate their early escape.

  79 In the event of hijacking a ship, the shipping company should seek expert advice and assistance from professionals to the effect of the safe return of the crew, as handling these situations have shown to be time-consuming and stressful for all parties involved.

Parent topic: The phases of suspected or attempted piracy/armed robbery attack
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