Piracy, Armed Robbery and Conflict at Sea - 2024-25 Edition

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