PIRATE ATTACKS DRILL ASSUMPTION -DEMO PART 5

  [１８] Handling warning functions of GMDSS related-equipment (No.2)

(Assumption)

Assuming that the ship is under a sudden attack by pirates, transmit a warning

signal via a DSC communication device to request nearby coastguard or ships,

etc. for rescue assistance.

※ Assemble at the place where the DSC communication device is located

(usually, communication room and bridge) so as to confirm its location.

Have an instructor teach all the crew how to operate the emergency signal

button.

※ Assuming that attacks will also take place at night, crew should be

accustomed to use the device also in the dark.

[１９] Handling warning functions of GMDSS related-equipment (No.3)

(Assumption)

Assuming that the ship is under a sudden attack by pirates, report the appearance

of pirates by sending a distress warning via an INMARSAT communication

device.

※ Assemble at the place where the INMARSAT communication device is

located so as to confirm its location. Have an instructor give all the crew a

briefing so that they can use the device.

※ If a message (It is desirable that the message should be prepared in

advance.) in anticipation of being attacked by pirates is available, crew should

be accustomed to the device so that they can transmit it easily.

[２０] Practicing use of lifesaving equipment

(Assumption)

To deter pirate boats from approaching, use lifesaving signals for warning

purposes.

※ Some reports indicate that the use of lifesaving signals can deter pirate

attacks during nighttime.

※ However, if lifesaving signals are launched directly at pirates, and as a

result cause them injury, etc, the signals could be regarded as lethal weapons

such as firearms. Bear in mind that in such cases, the crew who launched the

devices could be subject to charges for excessive self-defense.

※ Furthermore, if the ship gets under pirate control despite the use of such

signals, they may resort to retaliatory measures. It would be better to make

every effort to refrain from using lifesaving signals.

※ That is to say, when lifesaving signals are used for warning purposes, they

should be launched as mere visual means to indicate that the ship is on the

alert, and not as weapons.

Following are examples of lifesaving equipment, which are used as measures

to deter pirate attacks.

○ Rocket parachute flares

Rocket parachute flares usually rise to an altitude of at least 300 meters, at

which point the parachute opens and a red flare is exposed. The flare descends

slowly, lighting up the surrounding area.

○ Rocket flares

Rocket flares rise to an altitude of 150 meters, where they explode, creating a

flare that lasts for several seconds.

○ Hand flares

Hand flares generate a red flame that last for more than a minute. They are

usually hand-held or placed on deck.

[２１] How to cope when the ship is under pirate control

(Assumption)

How to cope when the ship is attacked by armed pirates and placed under their

control.

It is essential to understand that when several crew become their hostages,

any further counterattacks will merely worsen the situation.

In case some crew got under pirate control, it is considered that other crew act

in groups as much as possible would reduce further risk.

Even though pirates are armed, they rarely attack a ship to kill all the crew.

So, if they are not antagonized, they may release hostages after taking all they

want.

If crew act individually, however, isolation could lead to anxiety and hasty

actions that could provoke the pirates.

Once attacks are induced, the risk of danger escalates and it may lead to a

potentially irrecoverable situation.

For these reasons, it is desirable that crew should, in such situations, stay

close as much as possible so that they can confirm situations each other.

Those who are unfortunate enough to be under pirate control, it is important

to follow the instructions and demands of the master or the pirates as much as

possible.

As IMO guidelines indicate, crew should never take heroic actions once the

ship has been under pirate control.

Based on the guidelines, it is desirable to carry out this drill in advance to

have crew realize what they should do to help each other when it is clear that the

ship is under pirate control.

However, being faced with extreme situations such as life or death, nothing

will guarantee their survival.

Therefore, encourage all crew to have a common understanding for the

following.

① Act in groups as much as possible and avoid being alone.

② Take every possible action, such as activating GMDSS and other emergency

communication devices before it gets under pirate control.

③ Do not hide at random but instead assemble at a designated place (Several

places will do.) in advance.

As these products have instruction manuals, crew should know what

lifesaving equipment their ship is outfitted with and how to use it so that they

can cope with an emergency at any time.

In carrying out a drill to get used to such devices, it is necessary for all crew

to sight all the equipment on the ship, read how to use it carefully and

understand the procedures involved with firing it. (Do not actually fire.) ( just

procedures only)

Have an instructor teach all the crew how to use lifesaving signals in case of

pirate attacks.

※ This drill may be carried out together with rescue-related drills.

[２２] Cases for which drills are difficult to carry out but that still

require attention

Be aware as such cases are common pirate attack scenarios.

[Case 1]

Pirates attack again (several minutes or several hours later) after pretending to

have given up the chase.

You are apt to feel relieved once the pirates have been thrown off. However,

they may be chasing the ship covertly and attack again or there are also cases

that another waylaid boat of their party attempts to attack.

Once attacked and even if you are confident that you have thrown them off, it

is necessary to maneuver the ship on the alert with the possibility of a second

attack in mind.

[Case 2]

Pirates tenaciously chase a ship, keeping the bridge under constant assault with

firearms.

When the bridge is exposed to gunfire, there may often be problems with

crew morale or will to maneuvering. However, it is extremely important to

continue to maneuver the ship as long as possible to throw off the pirates.

The bridge is usually not strong enough to cope with rifle or guns, but

maneuver the ship while securing as many shelters as possible.

[Case 3]

Several boats skillfully surround the ship to attack it, each playing a different

role.

It may be difficult to throw all of them off simply by maneuvering. In order

to prevent them from forming an advantageous position, take action at an early

stage. If you judge that the number of pirates is rather large, do not hesitate to

contact the coast guard authorities at once and request assistance.