INTRODUCTION
Members have previously been advised of ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) publications on Best Management Practice (BMP) Maritime Security Guidelines and the importance of their incorporation into approved ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code, Ship Security Plans (SSPs). The BMP Guidelines have now been extensively updated and consolidated into a single PDF publication. This Risk Bulletin highlights the content improvements made and the related need to update all shipboard ISPS Code SSPs and procedures.
BACKGROUND
Driven by the evolution of piracy and terrorism threats – inclusive of anti-ship missiles, drones and cyber-attacks – maritime security continues to be a critical concern for the global shipping industry. The response has been to strengthen security measures through SOLAS Chapter 11-2 (Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security), the ISPS Code, IMO Resolutions and a series of industry best practice guidelines published by the ICS.
The ICS, together with 40 other supporting maritime organisations, have now created a new and updated set of BMP Maritime Security Guidelines, 1st Ed. March 2025. Available as a free PDF document, this 60 page publication provides comprehensive information to shipowners, seafarers, and maritime security administrations on threat types, best practices, and security resources.
Importantly, the new Guidelines combine previously published (but now updated) regional security publications into a single, comprehensive publication providing a full background to maritime security along with detailed risk mitigation advice.
NOTE: Previous ICS Guidelines – such as BMP 5 which provided guidelines for maritime security in Middle Eastern waters – have been withdrawn. All withdrawn ICS publications are clearly labelled as such on the ICS website.
BMP MARITIME SECURITY GUIDELINES CONTENT
The new BMP Guidelines consist of 60 illustrated and data linked pages divided into seven sections. They provide a comprehensive introduction to maritime security followed by detailed advice on threat types, their risk assessment and the security measures which must be applied to ensure vessel and crew safety. The Section headings and a content summary are set out below.
SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION TO BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES MARITIME SECURITY
Explains the purpose and benefits of the BMP Guidelines. Provides a clear statement that they complement but do not override the ISPS Code or the Master’s overriding authority. Advises that: “As security threats in the maritime domain are constantly evolving, external signposts [web links] are included to guide the reader to sources for up-to-date information and data”.
SECTION 2 – MARITIME SECURITY THREATS (PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL)
Explains that Physical Security Threats include Physical Attacks from various weapons, Piracy, Illegal boardings and Criminal Activity (Armed Robbery). Describes Specific Threats including Water Borne Explosive Devices, Sea Mines, Anti-ship Missiles and Loitering Munitions. Defines Virtual Threats inclusive of cyber-attacks, GNSS disruption and AIS spoofing. Advises that with reference to Regional Maritime Threats: “Merchant ships should maintain close coordination with military forces and leverage commercial intelligence and open-source services for threat updates.”
SECTION 3 – THREAT AND RISK ASSESSMENT
Explains the three principal components of a Threat consisting of Capability, Intent and Opportunity. Describes the methodologies for Threat Determination and Risk Assessment. Advises that: “Maritime threats are dynamic, making it essential to have a detailed threat and risk assessment for each voyage and activity.”
SECTION 4 – PLANNING
Details the procedures to be undertaken by a ship owning company to mitigate risk prior to entering an area of increased risk as identified through threat and risk assessment. Discusses Information Security, Tracking, Monitoring, Reporting and the use and limitations of Radar small vessel detection. Recommends crew briefing, security drills and welfare support plus emergency communication system testing and AIS use policy review.
SECTION 5 – MITIGATION MEASURES
This Section is extensive. Details the mitigation elements required inclusive of Routing, Alarms and PA Systems, Enhanced Watchkeeping, Evasive Manoeuvring, Types and Use of Physical Barriers, Enhanced Bridge Protection, Security Muster Points and Citadels. Considers concerns relating to the Engagement of Private Armed Security Companies. Advises that: “To effectively mitigate against attacks, ship crews should implement well-planned and rehearsed measures as part of a comprehensive Vessel Hardening Plan”.
SECTION 6 – INCIDENT RESPONSE
Describes attack scenarios and actions to be taken during both the Approach Stage and any subsequent Illegal Boarding Stage. Sets out ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ during illegal boardings or hijack and hostage taking, including by state or paramilitary forces. Advises on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Water Borne Improvised Explosive Device (WBIED) attacks and impact/reaction timing.
SECTION 7 – POST INCIDENT PROCEDURE
Describes the actions to be taken during the Post Attack and Post Attack Recovery periods. Outlines the requirements for dealing with Unexploded Ordnance, Evidence Preservation, Investigation and Seafarer Treatment and Welfare. Advises that: “A comprehensive plan to account for personnel, assess damage and collect evidence is crucial”.
ANNEX A – REPORTING AND INFORMATION CENTRES
Provides a full description of the roles and services provided by all global and regional Reporting and Information Centres along with full contact details. Advises that: “Masters are strongly encouraged to inform regional and military organisations of their movements to aid situational awareness and incident response.” And that: “Companies should identify regional reporting requirements during the risk assessment process and include requirements in voyage orders”.
ANNEX B – SEAFARER WELFARE SUPPORT
Provides a description and contact details for the main charitable organisations providing welfare services to seafarers.
ANNEX C – MARITIME LEXICON AND ABBREVIATIONS
Provides definitions of the terms ‘maritime security threats’, ‘piracy’ and ‘armed robbery against ships’ along with an explanation of maritime security abbreviations.
MARITIME INDUSTRY SECURITY THREAT OVERVIEW (MISTO)
The MISTO document, also released in March 2025, has been created as an 18 page supplement to the BMP Maritime Security Guidelines. As stated, “The purpose of the MISTO is to provide an overall understanding of prevailing security threats”.
It is also made clear that the MISTO is intended for use in conjunction with the BMP Maritime Security Guidelines together with “scenario-specific guidance” issued by shipping industry associations on a case-by-case basis.
Importantly, the MISTO document also advises that it will be: “… updated every 3 – 6 months depending upon the situation.”
Further that: “The full suite of publicly available and jointly endorsed information and guidance is available at the joint industry association website: https://maritimeglobalsecurity.org/geography/global/ ”.
The MISTO introduction section includes a useful diagram which helps to explain the important difference between an advised security threat and the related process of objective risk assessment which must be accomplished by the shipowner/company security officer (CSO) and their master/ship security officer SSO).
The MISTO document then provides advice on the security background and current threats in the following five areas:
- Gulf of Guinea – predominantly Niger Delta based pirates
- Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Northwest Indian Ocean – Houthi insurgents
- Northwest Indian Ocean and adjacent waters – Somali pirates
- Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) – pirates and armed robbers
- Black Sea and Sea of Azov – Russia and Ukraine
As indicated above, it is of course essential that the MISTO published information is supplemented by the reader’s reference to the joint industry association website to ensure that the most recent security reports are taken into consideration.
CONCLUSION AND TAKEAWAY
Global maritime security threats continue to generate high levels of potential risk to Members, their ships and their crews. These circumstances demand high levels of attention and special care in ensuring security risk mitigation.
Members are encouraged to confer with their ship managers, CSOs, masters and SSOs to ensure that they are fully aware of the new BMP Maritime Security Guidelines together with the MISTO document and the supporting joint industry association website.
Members should also ensure that their ISPS Code SSPs and procedures are updated to specifically incorporate references and links to the updated security information referred to above. Finally, Members should consider purchasing and providing their managers and vessels with copies of the updated ICS publication, ‘Maritime Security: A Comprehensive Guide for Shipowners, Seafarers and Administrations’, 2nd Ed., March 2025. Not a cheap publication at GBP £200 but definitely a worthwhile investment in crew training, safety and welfare.
