Updated Best Management Practices (BMP) to Deter Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Coast of Somalia

As the monsoon season comes to an end, an increase in the level of piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean is anticipated, particularly as the number of vessels understood to be remain captured is well below the historical high of eighteen, which suggests that pirates operating in those waters have the resources to seize more.

The BMP document, prepared by concerned shipping organizations, including the International Group, has been updated since it was developed in February 2009. The updated document (Version 2 August 2009) is attached.

Shipowner Members are encouraged to test their anti-piracy precautions against the BMP (as well as the IMO Guidelines referred to in the BMP), not least because the prospects of recovering a contribution from cargo towards any ransom payment necessary to release a captured vessel and the defence of any claims that be advanced by cargo interests for losses arising from an interruption to the voyage, will be facilitated by the shipowner being in a position to demonstrate good implementation of effective anti-piracy measures.