BMP 5 Released - Best Management Practices
- ASKET Operations Team
- Jun 28, 2018
- 2 min read
BMP4 has been superseded by BMP5:
BMP 5 - Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea
Seafarers have encountered different security threats when operating ships in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
The purpose of this publication is to help ships plan their voyage and to detect, avoid, deter, delay and report attacks. Experience has shown application of the recommendations in this publication makes a significant difference to the safety of seafarers.
Piracy-specific Best Management Practice (BMP), international navies and capacity building ashore have helped to suppress piracy. However, Somali piracy has not been eradicated and remains a threat.
The BMP contained in this publication mitigates the risk from piracy and other maritime security threats.
Regional instability has introduced other maritime security threats, which include:
• Deliberate targeting of ships by extremist groups.
• Collateral damage arising from regional conflict. BMP piracy measures are effective, but differences in attack methods from other threats may require other forms of mitigation.
For example, attacks carried out by extremists may be more determined, as they may be willing to risk their lives. The consequences of not adopting effective security measures can be severe. Some pirates have subjected hostages to violence and other ill treatment and periods of captivity for some hijacked seafarers have lasted for several years. Other attacks have demonstrated an intent to damage ships and endanger life.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (www.ukmto.org) and Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (www.mschoa.org) websites should be consulted for advice. See annex A for contact details.
This BMP complements piracy guidance in the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) MSC Circulars (see www.imo.org) and advice on the Maritime Security Transit Corridor. Nothing in this BMP detracts from the Master’s overriding authority and responsibility to protect their crew, ship and cargo.
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