bmp-ms-2025-final-hi-res

BMP Maritime SecurityProduced and supported by:03 BMP Maritime Security Version control Edition Published date Change First March 202504 BMP Maritime Security Legal notice BMP Maritime Security (BMP MS) has been developed purely as guidance to be used at the user’s own risk. No responsibility is accepted by the authors, their members or by any person, firm, corporation or organisation for the accuracy of any information in BMP MS or any omission from BMP MS or for any consequence whatsoever resulting directly or indirectly from applying or relying upon guidance contained in BMP MS even if caused by a failure to exercise reasonable care. Copyright notice The authors of BMP MS have provided BMP MS free of charge. All information, data and text contained in BMP MS whether in whole or in part may be reproduced or copied without any payment, individual application or written license provided that: Ÿ It is used only for non-commercial purposes; and Ÿ the content is not modified. Exceptions: The permission does not extend to using the photographs separately outside of BMP MS as these photographs belong to a third party. Authorisation to use the photographs separately from BMP MS must first be obtained from the copyright holders, details of whom may be obtained from the authors. Logos and trademarks are excluded from the general permission above other than when they are used as an integral part of BMP MS. BMP Maritime Security replaces any existing global or regional guidance issued or supported by the signatories. Background and supporting information are available at: www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org Design: Phil McAllister Design BMP Maritime Security05 BMP Maritime Security 1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................06 2 Maritime security threats ..............................................................................................10 3 Threat and risk assessment..........................................................................................16 4 Planning...............................................................................................................................21 5 Mitigation measures.......................................................................................................25 6 Incident response............................................................................................................ 37 7 Post-incident procedures .............................................................................................43 Annex A Reporting and information centres............................................................................46 Annex B Seafarer welfare support..............................................................................................55 Annex C Maritime lexicon and abbreviations........................................................................... 57 Contents 01 Introduction 03 Threat and Risk Assessment 05 MITIGATION 02 MEASURES Maritime Security Threats 04 Planning 07 POST-INCIDENT PROCEDURES B Seafarer welfare A support Reporting and information centres C Maritime lexicon 06 and abbreviations Incident ResponseSection 1 Introduction 01 Introduction 03 Threat and Risk Assessment 05 MITIGATION 02 MEASURES Maritime Security Threats 04 Planning 07 POST-INCIDENT PROCEDURES B Seafarer welfare A support Reporting and information centres C Maritime lexicon 06 and abbreviations Incident ResponseBMP Maritime Security 01 Introduction 03 Threat and Risk Assessment 05 MITIGATION 02 MEASURES Maritime Security Threats 04 Planning 07 POST-INCIDENT PROCEDURES B Seafarer welfare A support Reporting and information centres C Maritime lexicon 06 and abbreviations Incident Response 07 Introduction to Best Management Practices Maritime Security Best Management Practices (BMP) Maritime Security (MS) consolidates previously published regional BMP documents into a single, comprehensive publication. It focuses on a threat and risk management process addressing globally applicable threats and mitigations, as well as providing references to external sources for up to date regional information. Seafarers operating ships around the world encounter various maritime security threats, state and non-state. These threats often involve aggressive attackers who subject persons to violence and ill-treatment, hijack ships for ransom or cargo theft, and, in some cases, hold seafarers as hostages for extended periods. Attackers’ motivations may be criminal, ideological or political, and attacks may be targeted or opportunistic. Maritime security threats vary across regions and within them both in terms of the threats themselves and their severity. The purpose of this publication is to help all ships plan their voyage and to detect, avoid, deter, delay and report attacks and incidents wherever they may occur. Experience has shown that following the recommendations BMP offers makes a significant difference to the safety of seafarers. Benefits of implementing BMP Applying these recommendations will: Ÿ Assist in planning voyages and offshore activities. Ÿ Improve understanding of maritime threats and their impacts. Ÿ Reduce the likelihood of being involved in a maritime security incident. Ÿ Help in determining mitigations to keep the crew and ship safe. Ÿ Provide reference information sources. Ÿ Specify contacts and reporting procedures for emergencies and welfare assistance. Applicability and guidance Ÿ BMP measures: not all mitigation measures are applicable to every threat, ship type or region. Ÿ Usage: companies, Company Security Officers (CSOs), Ship Security Officers (SSOs), and Masters should use this guidance to conduct ship specific threat and risk assessments aimed at protecting seafarers, ships, and cargo. BMP is also a useful reference for charterers and other maritime stakeholders. Ÿ Complementary guidance: this guidance complements other industry guidelines and international recommendations, including IMO, Flag State and P&I Circulars. Ÿ BMP complements but does not override International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code requirements. Additional resources Ÿ Online resources: access further information and links at Maritime Global Security. ATTENTION Master’s Authority This guidance does not override the Master’s overriding authority and responsibility to protect the crew, ship, and cargo. BMP Maritime Security 01 Introduction 03 Threat and Risk Assessment 05 MITIGATION 02 MEASURES Maritime Security Threats 04 Planning 07 POST-INCIDENT PROCEDURES B Seafarer welfare A support Reporting and information centres C Maritime lexicon 06 and abbreviations Incident Response 08 Using this guidance This Best Management Practice (BMP) is designed to support a structured approach to threat and risk assessment in the maritime environment. It offers the reader guidance on the following areas: 1. Understanding maritime security threats: insights on known threats and where to access additional information. 2. Threat and risk assessment: methods for identifying and evaluating threats and risks. 3. Planning: steps to consider when planning a voyage or offshore activity. 4. Mitigation: measures to reduce or eliminate identified risks. 5. Incident response: actions to take in the event of a security incident. 6. Post-incident considerations: steps to follow an incident, including recovery and analysis. 7. Global reporting and information centers: resources for reporting incidents and obtaining real-time information. 8. Seafarer welfare support: aiding the well-being of crew members by outlining support available to them. BMP is arranged in a structured manner, with a navigation toolbar at the bottom of each page that allows readers to easily move through the document and access key references. As security threats in the maritime domain are constantly evolving, external signposts are included to guide the reader to sources for up-to-date information and data. Users are encouraged to seek a comprehensive understanding of the maritime environment, and the security risks that may be faced. This includes using all available resources as part of the ongoing threat and risk assessment process. Conclusion By following the BMP, both companies and seafarers can minimise the risk of maritime security incidents, ensuring better protection against emerging threats and improving overall safety. Users are encouraged to seek a comprehensive understanding of the maritime environment, and the security risks that may be facedBMP Maritime Security 01 Introduction 03 Threat and Risk Assessment 05 MITIGATION 02 MEASURES Maritime Security Threats 04 Planning 07 POST-INCIDENT PROCEDURES B Seafarer welfare A support Reporting and information centres C Maritime lexicon 06 and abbreviations Incident Response 09 1. Understanding the threat Ÿ Dynamic nature: maritime threats are constantly evolving. Ÿ Current information: obtaining up-to-date information is crucial for effective threat and risk assessment and decision-making. 2. Conducting risk assessments Ÿ Assessment: companies must conduct thorough threat and risk assessments. Ÿ Ship mitigations: identify and implement measures to protect the crew and ship. Ÿ Crew training: ensure the crew is well-briefed and trained. Ÿ Situational awareness: know your operating environment. Ÿ Guidance: comply with Flag State requirements, industry guidance and implement military recommendations where appropriate. 3. Reporting Ÿ Voluntary registration and reporting: register and report to regional centres as appropriate. Ÿ Incident reporting: report incidents and suspicious activities to recognised reporting centres and the Flag State Administration. Ÿ Distress signals: send distress signals when under attack. 4. Cooperation Ÿ Shipping and military forces: cooperate with other ships and military forces as necessary. Ÿ Law enforcement: work with relevant law enforcement and authorities to preserve evidence. Ÿ Welfare providers: collaborate with welfare providers to provide psychological and/or logistical support (annex B). The fundamental requirements of BMP collaborate with welfare providers to provide psychological and/or logistical supportBMP Maritime Security 01 Introduction 03 Threat and Risk Assessment 05 MITIGATION 02 MEASURES Maritime Security Threats 04 Planning 07 POST-INCIDENT PROCEDURES B Seafarer welfare A support Reporting and information centres C Maritime lexicon 06 and abbreviations Incident Response Section 2 Maritime Security Threats