Piracy is a threat to all sizes of vessels in some parts of the world. The more we know, the more we can minimise the risks and react to dangerous situations – or avoid them altogether. To this end the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has produced an Anti-Piracy & Hostage Situation Awareness DVD (IMCA SEL 028) in five languages on the one DVD (English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese) as guidance for personnel working on board vessels operating in high risk areas.
“The DVD runs for just over 15 minutes and covers a range of measures intended to compliment company anti-piracy procedures, ” says Hugh Williams, Chief Executive of IMCA. “It highlights the main areas affected, which constantly change and are the subject of differing motives, all of which could involve harm to crew members.
“Assessing the hazard, carrying out risk analysis, ensuring steps are taken to prevent the vessel coming under attack; and relevant responses are all covered – with sections devoted to protection, training, preparation and precautions. It also discusses the steps that should be taken if the vessel is boarded by pirates and the crew is taken hostage.
”It is in everyone’s interest to take precautions against attack, and to stay safe; we hope that many organisations will make good use of this DVD.”
Produced in conjunction with Solstad Shipping, Subsea 7 and Technip, with thanks to Team Marine as well, IMCA SEL 028 costs £10 +VAT for members and £20 + VAT for non-members and is available from www.imca-int.com (under SEL publications); and from IMCA, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521; email: publications@imca-int.com.
About IMCA
• IMCA is an international association with over 850 members in more than 60 countries representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Asia-Pacific, Central & North America, Europe & Africa, Middle East & India and South America regions. As well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members’ common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
• IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports – many are available for free downloading by members and non-members alike. These have been developed over the years and are extensively distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID) – now available electronically as e-CMID, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and distributes safety flashes.
For further information, viewers can contact judithpatten@jppr.uk.com or Tel: +44 (0)208 241 1912.
