1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its ninetieth
session (16 to 25 May 2012), determined it would be useful to place,
in a single reference document, the recommended practices that flag
States are encouraged to apply, taking into account their own circumstances
and subject to their national law, in order to maximize their efforts
to implement counter-piracy measures.
2 The Interim guidance for flag States on measures
to prevent and mitigate Somalia-based piracy is set out in the annex.
3 Member Governments are urged to bring this circular
to the attention of all national agencies concerned with anti-piracy
activities, including shipowners, ship operators, shipping companies,
shipmasters and crews.
4 Member Governments are also urged to take any
necessary action to implement, as appropriate, the interim guidance
given in the annex.
5 Member Governments, international organizations
and non-governmental organizations with consultative status are invited
to bring to the attention of the Committee, at the earliest opportunity,
the results of the experience gained from the use of the interim guidance
so as to assist the Committee in deciding on any action to be taken.