Increased Security Threats for vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea
Overview
BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and OCIMF warns that as the dry season approaches and sea conditions abate, an increase in attacks in the Gulf of Guinea has traditionally been seen, so maritime security risks to vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea require renewed attention.
Issued by: BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and OCIMF
Increased Security Threats for vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea
21 October 2020
Reference:
A. BMP West Africa.
B. UKHO Security Chart Q6114/SHOM Chart 8801CSD.
As the dry season approaches and sea conditions abate, an increase in attacks has traditionally been seen, so maritime security risks to vessels operating in the Gulf of Guinea require renewed attention. Masters and crews need to be extra vigilant and ensure all security measures are taken.
To ensure the safety of all vessels and afford best protection to global trade it is vital:
- Comply with Flag State Requirements and Guidance.
- CSO’s and Masters apply the recommendations in BMP West Africa.
- The citadel is equipped with a Satellite telephone (BMP WA Page 22).
- Masters familiarise themselves with BMP WA Section 7 (Ships Under Attack).
- Masters register with MDAT-GOG when entering the West African VRA (Ref A & B) and if operating inside the VRA, report daily.
- Any significant changes to ETA’s should be reflected in Line 6 (Other important Info) of the Daily/Transit Position Report to MDAT-GOG (BMP WA Annex D).
- The AIS Policy is clearly defined (BMP WA Page 13). It should be noted the Nigerian Navy arrests any ship found to have switched off their AIS. A decision to switch off AIS should therefore be based on concerns over safety and/or security and recorded in the vessel’s logbook to inform subsequent legal proceedings.
- CSO’s ensure all contact numbers for MDAT-GOG are correct - watchkeepers@mdat-gog.org and Emergency Tel: +33(0) 298 22 88 88.
- Information is protected (BMP WA Page 11).
- In the event of any incident or being concerned, Masters should call MDAT-GOG immediately.
- If Voyage Plans permit, wait at distance offshore and transit at high speed to arrive at any rendezvous point ‘Just in Time’ including STS and/or Offshore Terminals.
- Attacks have previously occurred 200Nm from the coast and the past location of attacks should be considered. Whilst waiting offshore, engines must be ready for immediate manoeuvre.
- Some vessels tender a virtual Notice of Readiness (NOR) whilst staying safely offshore, both tendering a virtual NOR and waiting offshore are accepted practice for many vessels operating in the GoG (BMP WA Page 13).
CSO’s and masters should note, pirate gangs also attack in harbour and on loading installations. In addition to COVID 19 restrictions, crew should only leave the vessel if necessary, during their duties. Gangway staff should be briefed and instructed to keep a good look out for suspicious activity.
MDAT-GOG will share information of vessels being attacked with the navies operating in the region. Questions regarding information sharing can be directed to MDAT-GOG.
Useful BMP Contact details:
MDAT-GoG:
Email: watchkeepers@mdat-gog.org
Telephone (24hrs): +33 298 228888
Website: https://gog-mdat.org/home
Download additional sources of information:
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
21 October 2020
VPS Bunker Alerts
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.
Latest ice reports for members
Latest piracy reports
Latest industry releasable threats
Related event
SHADE 52 Conference
- Manama,Bahrain
- 16 December, 2024
Jakob P. Larsen, BIMCO’s Head of Maritime Safety & Security, will attend the 52nd SHADE (Shared Awareness and De-confliction) Conference in Bahrain.
Related publication
Cyber Security Workbook for On Board Ship Use
A practical workbook on identifying cyber risks and how to respond in case of a cyber attack.
ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Contracts & Clauses
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
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.
About a new business partner
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.
