83 Immediately after securing the safety of the
ship and crew a post attack report (Follow-up report, as shown in
Ships’ message formats in Appendix 5) should be made to the
relevant RCC and, through them, to the security forces of the coastal
State concerned. As well as information on the identity and location
of the ship, any injuries to crew members or damage to the ship should
be reported, as should the direction in which the attackers departed
together with brief details of their numbers and, if possible, a description
of their craft. If the crew have apprehended an attacker, that should
also be reported in this report.
84 If an attack has resulted in the death of,
or serious injury to, any person on board the ship or serious damage
to the ship itself, an immediate report should also be sent to the
ship’s maritime Administration. In any event a report of an
attack is vital if follow-up action is to be taken by the ship’s
maritime Administration. The shipowner, companies, ship operators,
shipmasters and crew should cooperate with the investigators and provide
the requested information.
85 Any CCTV or other recording of the incident
should be secured. If practicable, areas that have been damaged or
rifled should be secured and remain untouched by crew members pending
possible forensic examination by the security forces of a coastal
State. Crew members who came into contact with the attackers should
be asked to prepare an individual report on their experience noting,
in particular, any distinguishing features which could help subsequent
identification of the attackers. A full inventory, including a description
of any personal possessions or equipment taken, with serial numbers
when known, should also be prepared.
86 As soon as possible after the incident, a fuller
report should be transmitted to the authorities of the coastal State
in whose waters the attack occurred or, if on the high seas, to the
authorities of the nearest coastal State. Due and serious consideration
should be given to complying with any request made by the competent
authorities of the coastal State to allow officers of the security
forces to board the ship, take statements from crew members and undertake
forensic and other investigations. Copies of any CCTV recordings,
photographs, etc., should be provided if they are available.
87 Ships should take the necessary precautions,
and implement the necessary procedures to ensure rapid reporting of
any case of attack or attempted attack to the authorities in the relevant
coastal States to enhance the possibility of security forces apprehending
the attackers.
88 Any report transmitted to a coastal State should
also be transmitted to the ship’s maritime Administration at
the earliest opportunity. A complete report of the incident, including
details of any follow-up action that was taken or difficulties that
may have been experienced, should eventually be submitted to the ship’s
maritime Administration. The report received by maritime Administrations
may be used in any diplomatic approaches made by the flag State to
the Government of the coastal State in which the incident occurred.
This will also provide the basis for the report to IMO.
89 The format required for reports to IMO through
maritime Administrations or international organizations is attached
at Appendix 6. Indeed, at present the lack of adequate and accurate
reporting of attacks is directly affecting the ability to secure governmental
and international action. Reports may also contribute to future refining
and updating any advice that might be issued to ships.
90 Reports to the RCC, coastal State and the ship’s
maritime Administration should also be made if an attack has been
unsuccessful.
91 Using RCCs, as recommended by IMO in MSC/Circ.1073,
will eliminate communication difficulties.