ABS Releases Piracy Pocket Guide

Classification society ABS says it is creating a pocket-sized quick reference guide to be used by ships’ crews when transiting high risk areas for piracy.  The guide will summarize, not replace, the shipping industries “Best Management Practices for the Protection of Seafarers from Somali Based Piracy,” more commonly known as BMP’s, now in its fourth edition.

Designed for onboard use, the laminated pocket guide summarizes BMP4 in an easy-to-read format that can help crew prepare a vessel for transit through a high-risk area, and lists actions to take should a vessel be attacked.

“This Guide is another tool ship operators can use against the menace of piracy and hijacking” says Hemant Juneja, ABS Director of Management Systems Certification. “It is not intended to replace the BMPs but rather act as a supplement designed especially to give the crew a quick reference guide for protection against these threats. It can also be used as a training tool in shipboard drills and exercises.”

ABS says the pocket guide will be available in September.

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