5 The belief that large sums of cash are carried
in the master’s safe attracts attackers. In some cases this
belief has been justified and sums have been stolen. While carrying
cash may sometimes be necessary to meet operational needs and crew
requirements and to overcome exchange control restrictions in some
States, it acts as a magnet for attackers and they will intimidate
and take hostage the master or crew members until the locations have
been revealed. Shipowners should consider ways of eliminating the
need to carry large sums of cash on board a ship. When this need arises
because of exchange control restrictions imposed by States, the matter
should be referred to the ship’s maritime Administration to
consider if representations should be made to encourage a more flexible
approach as part of the international response to eliminate attacks
by pirates and armed robbers.