Ships operating in the Gulf of Guinea can benefit studying the new website run by the UK/French security reporting centre MDAT-GoG (Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade for the Gulf of Guinea). It is also highly recommended to report ship's movements, suspicious observations and security incidents immediately as they occur.
The UK/French piracy reporting entity MDAT-GoG (The Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade for the Gulf of Guinea) has established a new website: https://gog-mdat.org/home
The website currently consists of two sections only: One section with a live map updated with information about piracy incidents, and a section with the periodical reports issued by MDAT-GoG.
MDAT-GoG are the custodians for the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA) established in the Gulf of Guinea. Details on how to report in connection with the VRA can be found on SHOM Chart 8801CSD or UKHO Chart Q6114. When reporting movements inside the VRA, MDAT-GoG becomes aware of the ship’s position and contact details. This allows MDAT-GoG to relay information about threats posed directly against specific ships to the ship in question.
When attacked by pirates, the first phone call should go to MDAT-GoG. Generally speaking, Masters and CSOs are encouraged to report security incidents as early as possible and with as much detail as possible, to allow MDAT-GOG to initiate the appropriate response. MDAT-GoG watchkeepers monitor the phones permanently on a 24/7 basis. Timely contact with MDAT-GoG enables quick actions by the MDAT-GoG and their regional contacts.
In the past, incomplete reports have caused delay to the issue of Warnings or Advisories and the ability to contact Local Law Enforcement assets for assistance.
E-mail: watchkeepers@mdat-gog.org
Phone : +33 (0) 2 98 22 88 88 (emergency)
Phone : +33 (0) 2 98 22 13 02 (exercise)
Phones and mail are monitored 24/7
Website: https://gog-mdat.org
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.