BMP to deter piracy - MSCHOA

Piracy BMP [URL]http://www.marisec.org/PiracyBMP3.pdf [/URL]is the panacea so we can all rest easy!!

In updating the IMSA SSO course material which included researching the updated BMP it reiterated to me the fact that it is nothing more than good common sense and industry experience being passed on in list form.

Who onboard joins the dots and turns it all in to a cohesive set of operational SOPs………the Master?………the SSO? One would think so but having undertaken his 21 hrs of the IMO model (Theory) SSO course and with in most cases, no previous knowledge of security does the SSO have the experience to put such a complex plan in place, never mind executing it when the sh.. hits the proverbial and not forgetting all the time that he has to undertake this task………….what about the CSO……………….time to move on.

Actually there are professionals out there that can join the dots………………better not write to much on the subject AGAIN because it will induce selective loss of reading sight with the Industry gurus where it matters.

John
 
BMP 3 extends the footprint for UKMTO/MSCHOA and provides additional guidance on citadels and safe muster points. The latter being a temporary refuge for those crew not needed on the bridge.

BMP was clearly a sensible initiative. But it is becoming what we all knew it would be which is the stick by which cargo and charterers can beat owners over the head. There are now cases being brought where charterers are alleging that a hijacking must mean a failure to follow BMP ....whihc cannot be right and would mean that no ship following BMP has been hijacked which is not true. They are just what they say...guidelines.....but certain countries have signed the New York Declaration which commits those states to ensuring that a ships ISPS plan follows BMP when it comes to piracy.

The key to liability is that there has to eb a breach of contract and that that breach is causative of the loss. There are no clauses in a charter which say that BMP must be followed.....Seaworthiness is an absolute condition at common law but it is watered down in most contracts so there is only an obligation of seaworthiness at the beginning of the voyage.

If the owner does everyting he can to get a crew up to speed and the ship is taken because of what the crew does or doesnt do then the chances are there is no liability to the charterers etc.

So BMP 3 is to be welcomed and if you follow it you probably are 80% of the way to ensuring your ship will not be taken but no more.
 
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