4 In addition to the hijacking of ships and the
holding of the crew hostage, and the theft of cargo, other targets
of the attackers include cash in the ship’s safe, crew possessions
and any portable ship’s equipment. When there has been evidence
of tampering with containers, it may be an indication that the raiders
may initially have gained access when the ship was berthed in port
and then gone over the side, with what they could carry. The application
of the ISPS Code is an important precautionary measure and a thorough
checking of ships’ compartments and securing them before leaving
ports is therefore strongly encouraged.