ACTUAL MEASURES TAKEN ONBOARD SHIP TO DETER PIRATE ATTACKS

Following are examples of anti-hijacking and anti-piracy measures beingtaken by ships. 

(1) Measures taken in respect to the operation of ships

* Enhancement of patrols (stationing more watchkeepers and watchofficers,

providing patrols both inside ship and on deck, hiring onboard guards, and

reinforcing patrols on the stern)

* Carrying out of drills on a daily basis on the assumption that the ship is to be

attacked by pirates (drills for maneuvering ships, handling onboard equipment,

conveying information to interested parties, etc.)

* Identifying those authorities in coastal states and regions that should be

contacted in case of pirate attacks

* Establishment of emergency communication systems with operating

companies, etc.

(2) Examples of onboard equipment that contributes to deterring pirate attacks

① Advanced preparations (preventive measures)

* Scarecrows

* Rat guard (installed on anchor chains and hawsers) (used when ships are at

anchor)

* Rat guard (installed outer passage leading to bridges and stairways) (for when

ships are sailing)

* Discharge of water (over the sides of ships using fire pump, fire hoses and

water sprinklers)

* Application of illumination devices to overboard

* Securing of access points, etc.

* Preparation of audio equipment (blasts, warning alarms, etc.) and illumination

devices (searchlights, etc.) so that they can be used immediately

② Advanced detections (of approaching suspicious boats)

* Radar (for small yachts)

* Radar (for other general ships)

* Binoculars

* Portable noctovisions (night scopes)

* Infrared cameras

* Infrared sensors

* AISs (automatic identification systems)

③ Advance detection of contact (approach of suspicious boats to nearby areas

and intrusion of pirates, etc.)

* Detection equipment, which is activated when changes in tension are detected

on wires and ropes (Toranomon, Momotaro and Mihari-kun)

* Surveillance cameras

④ Deterring pirates from contacting and boarding ships (i.e. – pirate boat

sailing alongside the ship and intrusion, etc.)

* Discharging of high-pressure water

* Searchlights

* Blasts, sirens, onboard alarms, etc.

* Signal lamps for daytime use

* Secure-Ship (electric fences that encircle the deck and which carry 9,000 volts

of electricity (which will neither kill nor injure intruders)

* Other intimidating devices (rocket parachute flares, rocket flares and flares)

(Care is required in using such devices as launching them directly at pirates is

prohibited.)

* Other non-equipment-based measures

Maneuvering ships (i.e. – increases and decreases of speed, creation of waves

by navigating in random zigzags, and making threat of collision)

⑤ Deterring pirates from boarding

* Securing entrances

* Securing elevators, etc.

(3) Equipment for reporting casualties, etc to the outside

* INMARSAT C

* EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)

* DSC (Digital Selective Calling) (medium and short wave)

* Ship’s telephone

* International VHF devices

(4) Confirmation of ship movements

* General communication

* INMARSAT C Polling

* ShipLoc

* FLEET WATCH (whose system requires the INMARSAT C Polling system)

* Other systems that operating companies have on their own