Published: December 2023
This 2024/2025 edition fully updates and supersedes Pirates and Armed Robbers: Guidelines on Prevention for Masters and Ship Security Officers 4th Edition? by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
The Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the measures seafarers should take to protect against, prevent, respond and recover from an incident of piracy, armed robbery or conflict at sea.
Current threat profiles and up-to-date guidance, including the latest international and regional regulatory guidance, are outlined to aid seafarers in understanding the complexities of security challenges at sea and for each individual voyage.
The book details the security measures needed on board to protect against attacks, as well as how to create and implement a successful ship security plan, as required by the ISPS Code. Practical security measures, including the creation of the citadel, are listed in detail, as well as international and national cooperation schemes in place. Advice for navigation and passage planning in areas of high risk is also given, alongside details of training programmes that should be in place for crew and onshore staff.
This Guide also provides step-by-step advice to be followed in the event of an attack on board, including ship damage mitigation measures, medical considerations, guidance for hostage situations and the preparation and response to missile, mine and drone attacks. It also outlines considerations for the ship management team such as responding to ransom requests and media management and communication.
Annexes provided include useful reporting forms and reference checklists for each stage of an incident (protect, prevent, respond and recover).
Part A Preparation Understanding the Security Challenges
Section 1 The Threat to Ships
Section 2 Regions, Areas and Trends
Section 3 Industry Guidance
Part B Protection
Section 4 Security Measures Onboard
Section 5 Navigation and Operations in Areas of Piracy, Armed Robbery and Conflict
Section 6 Other Security Measures
Part C Prevention
Section 7 International and National Cooperation
Section 8 Training and Education
Part D Response
Section 9 Initial Response to an Attack On Board
Section 10 Ongoing Incident Management On Board
Section 11 Post-Incident Response
Annexes
Annex A Reporting Forms and Contact Information
Annex B Checklists
