PIRATE ATTACKS DRILL ASSUMPTION -DEMO PART 2

[ ５ ] Operating searchlights, deck lights and other illumination

devices (nighttime drills)

(Assumption)

In order to indicate that the ship is on the alert against approaching pirates, flash

searchlights, and turn on deck lights in every block without hindering the

navigation.

＜Drill scenario＞

Watchofficer ⇒ “Boat, which could be pirates, is approaching from 1,000

meters astern.”

“Have searchlight ready.”

(Confirm the ship’s current position, and report the situation

to the master via an onboard phone.)

Watchkeeper ⇒ “Searchlight is ready. I will flash searchlight to stern.”

(Flash the searchlight to the surface of the sea as necessary.)

Watchofficer ⇒ (Blow a blast.)

“Increase speed.”

Watchkeeper ⇒ “Speed is increased.”

Watchkeeper ⇒ “Boat is approaching.”

Master ⇒ (Show up to bridge, and raise an alarm.) “Boat which could

be pirates is approaching. All crew go to your stations.”

Master ⇒ “Turn on work lights in the aft deck.”

“Turn on lower lights in the stern.”

(Confirm that lights are on.)

“Turn on upper lights in the stern.”

(Confirm that lights are on.)

“Turn on lights on starboard side of bridge.”

(Confirm that lights are on.)

“Turn on lights on port side of bridge.”

(Confirm that lights are on.)

Watchofficer ⇒ (Keep blowing a blast at a regular interval for warning

purposes while steering the ship.)

Watchkeeper ⇒ “Boat is slowing.”

“Boat seems to have given up the chase.”

Master ⇒ “Maintain current navigation course for the time being.”

(Maintain course for a while. Confirm that the pirate boat is

out of reach, and then dismiss crew from emergency

station.)

Master ⇒ “Turn off all deck lights.”

“Drill is over. Return to normal speed, and resume normal

operations.”

※ The searchlight may have limitations depending on the ship. Very often,

there is a blind corner at the foot of the shipside. For this reason, drills should

be carried out in safe sailing areas at night in order to ascertain how much

area the light can cover.

※ Simultaneously turning on all on-deck illumination devices might

temporarily degrade the effectiveness of noctovision equipment. Taking into

account the location of such equipment, it will be necessary for each ship to

determine the best course of action, including whether lights should be turned

on or not.

[ ６ ] Securing onboard facilities

(Assumption)

It is assumed that a pirate boat is approaching the ship. Secure all facilities. (or

check to confirm they are secured)

※ Designate in advance the crew who will be responsible for securing

facilities (Form groups as numbers of dividing areas with several crew.) and

assemble at a designated place after completed security.

※ In carrying out this drill, leave three crews (armed with communication

devices such as a transceiver with the bridge) on deck who have a good

knowledge of the ship’s layout. Once all facilities have been secured, or after

a certain period of time has passed, the three crews who play the role of

pirates check to see if there are any ways to enter inside the ship. (All

interested parties will have a review meeting to discuss items that need

attention, etc.)

＜Drill scenario＞

Master ⇒ “In order to deter pirates from entering inside this ship,

we will carry out a security drill. When I order to

secure facilities in five minutes, secure all routes in

your designated areas that lead into the ship.”

“When you have secured your routes, assemble at

designated areas and report to the bridge.”

Master ⇒ (in five minutes)“Begin securing.”

Each group ⇒ “Securing of area XXX is completed. Everyone is in

room XXX.”

Master ⇒ (when all groups have reported, or five to 10 minutes

after the securing of the ship has been ordered)

“Checking teams check security.”

Security checking team ⇒ “I will first check area XXX.”

Security checking team ⇒ “Area XXX is checked. Everything is in order.”

(Keep checking other areas and report them to the

bridge successively.)

Master ⇒ “Drill is over. We will have review meeting from

XXX at XXX.

※ When navigating in dangerous waters where pirates may attack, it is

thought that all portals except essential ones are kept to be secured. However,

if a pirate boat approaches, it is necessary to confirm whether there is any

problem with securing within a short period of time. To ensure quick

confirmation, crew should be assigned specific areas of the ship to check.

※ Hold a brief meeting to report the results of the drill and have comment

from crew as a means for considering what needs to be covered in future

drills.

※ In addition to ordinary access points, ships are usually outfitted with

hatches for the operation of various activities and for the purpose of escape.

Some of these hatches can only be padlocked from outside. All crew should

acquaint themselves with the location and function of these portals. It is

preferable to consider the use of simple hook-type locks that can be secured

from inside, when ships are in dry dock for repair and such.

[ ７ ] Zigzag navigation

(Assumption)

In order to deter pirates from approaching the sides of your ship, create big

waves on both sides by steering the ship in random zigzags.

※ Select appropriate rudder angles in consideration of the ship’s

specifications (including stability), the volume of cargo being carried, and sea

conditions, among others.

＜Drill scenario＞

Watchkeeper ⇒ “A pirate boat is approaching to port side.”

Master ⇒ “Check for obstacles in this area.”

Watchofficer ⇒ “There are no obstacles here. It is deep enough.”

Master ⇒ “Throw off pirates by steering the ship in random zigzags.”

(Blow a warning blast.)

“Hard to port.”

“Ease.”

“Hard to starboard.

“Ease.”

“Hard to port.”

“Ease.”

“Hard to starboard.”

(Repeat these procedures several times. In easing the helm,

determine the appropriate angle of the ship’s head after

taking into account the response of the ship, the decrease in

speed, the movement of pirate boat, etc.)

Master ⇒ “The pirate boat is out of sight. Confirm the situation.”

Watchkeeper ⇒ “The pirate boat is receding off the port side stern.”

“The pirate boat seems to have given up the chase.”

Master ⇒ “Confirm whether it is far enough away or not with

searchlight and radar.”

Watchofficer ⇒ “It is more than one mile away. It is heading north now.”

Master ⇒ “Return to normal operations.” “Drill is over.”

※ When steering the ship in random zigzags, it is important to simultaneously

increase speed as much as possible since doing so will create bigger waves.

These big waves are effective to pirates taking more time to approach the

ship.

※ Ships with good maneuverability can accomplish this drill with ease, but

ships with poor maneuverability should avoid this drill since random

zigzagging may actually slow these ships down, making it easier for pirates to

alongside ship.

※ According to cargo conditions, steaming for full rudder angles could

threaten ship’s safety such as causing damage to hull and cargo. So, it is

important to find appropriate angles.

※ Also, care should be taken as steering excessive big rudder angle may slow

the ship down at the same time.

※ When steering the ship in random zigzags, it is essential to make sure full

rudder angles will not affect ship’s safety. Always confirm sea conditions are

safe by taking account of drafts, depth, obstacles, etc.

※ This drill can be carried out flexibly. According to steering orders,

participants may not actually steer rudder angles but just confirm it as a

procedure only, or can opt for smaller rudder angles of five degrees or so.

to be continue...................