Piracy and Armed Robbery Prevention Checklist

This piracy and armed robbery prevention checklist ensures compliance with IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 (Revised Guidance on Measures to Prevent and Suppress Piracy), Best Management Practices for Protection against Somalia-Based Piracy (BMP5), IMO Resolution MSC.324(89) Recommendations to Governments, and ISPS Code security measure requirements. Designed for Masters and Ship Security Officers transiting high-risk areas.

  • Industry: Maritime
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
  • Role: Master / Ship Security Officer (SSO)
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 Anti-Piracy Guidance, BMP5 Best Management Practices Piracy, IMO Resolution MSC.324(89) Counter-Piracy Recommendations, ISPS Code Security Levels for High-Risk Areas, EUNAVFOR / NATO Anti-Piracy Reporting

Registration and Reporting

Pre-transit registration.

  • Vessel registered with MSCHOA (EU Naval Force) before HRA transit?
  • UKMTO (UK Maritime Trade Operations) notified of transit?
  • Reporting schedule established (position reports every 24/12/6 hours)?
  • NAVAREA warnings and piracy advisories reviewed for route?
  • Convoy arrangement or Naval escort applied for if available?

Physical Hardening Measures

Anti-piracy physical barriers.

  • Citadel (secure muster point) established and equipped?
  • Razor wire or anti-boarding measures fitted at vulnerable points?
  • Fire hoses rigged and pressurised at deck level (water curtain)?
  • All external access points (doors, hatches, portholes) locked?
  • All deck areas well-lit during night transit?

Enhanced Watch Arrangements

Anti-piracy watchkeeping.

  • Enhanced lookout posted (additional personnel on bridge/stern)?
  • Binoculars and night vision equipment available?
  • Radar on maximum range and frequently scanned for small craft?
  • AIS being monitored for unidentified contacts approaching?
  • Maximum available speed maintained through high-risk area?

Emergency Communications

Anti-piracy communication readiness.

  • SSAS (Ship Security Alert System) ready for immediate activation?
  • VHF Channel 16 and Ch 8 (working frequency) continuously monitored?
  • Satellite communications operable for reporting piracy incidents?
  • All officers aware of DSC distress procedures?
  • Emergency communications plan posted and understood by all bridge officers?

Crew Procedures and Drills

Crew anti-piracy preparation.

  • All crew briefed on anti-piracy procedures and muster stations?
  • Anti-piracy/security drill conducted before HRA transit?
  • Citadel muster drill completed (if citadel fitted)?
  • Non-essential crew kept inside accommodation during transit?
  • All crew passports and documents secured in safe location?

Anti-Piracy Records

Security documentation.

  • Ship Security Record Book updated with anti-piracy preparations?
  • PCASP (armed guards) documentation complete if embarked?
  • Any suspicious approaches reported to UKMTO/MSCHOA immediately?
  • Post-transit report submitted to UKMTO/MSCHOA?
  • Anti-Piracy Notes

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Why Use This Piracy and Armed Robbery Prevention Checklist?

This piracy and armed robbery prevention checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for master / ship security officer (sso) professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 Anti-Piracy Guidance, BMP5 Best Management Practices Piracy, IMO Resolution MSC.324(89) Counter-Piracy Recommendations, ISPS Code Security Levels for High-Risk Areas, EUNAVFOR / NATO Anti-Piracy Reporting. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Piracy and Armed Robbery Prevention Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Registration and Reporting, Physical Hardening Measures, Enhanced Watch Arrangements, Emergency Communications, Crew Procedures and Drills, Anti-Piracy Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Who should use this Piracy and Armed Robbery Prevention Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Master / Ship Security Officer (SSO) professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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