Vessel hardening measures
Vessel tracking and security alerts.
Maritime Services
Case Study 1:
Escort Vessels Operations in the Gulf of Aden
Our client was conducting a Tug and Tow operation from Singapore through the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden to an end destination in northern Africa.
The Challenge.
The convoy would be transporting valuable cargo and travelling at approximately 5 knots, well below the speeds recommended by MSCHOA (Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa) for vessels transiting such high risk waters and making it very vulnerable to pirate attack.
Furthermore, while both the operator and their insurance company were very concerned to have robust security provision, limited space on the tug precluded the use of an onboard security team.
The Solution
Working closely with both parties our Pre-Deployment Vessel and Route Risk Assessment determined that use of an escort vessel was the most appropriate solution for this transit together with vessel hardening measures for the tug itself.
The escort vessel, carrying an armed security team, would establish a 24 hour security picket screen around the protected vessel to ward off and protect against hostile approaches.
The escort would be supported by its Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) used to patrol around the perimeter of the 'convoy'.
The escort vessel met the tug at a pre-arranged rendez-vous point off Sri Lanka and the security Team Leader immediately crossed deck to brief the Master on maritime security measures, carry out a security risk assessment and discuss the Rules of Engagement. An Escort Security Plan was drawn up and agreed between both vessel Masters.
The Team Leader also conducted initial anti-piracy briefs and training for the tug Master and crew. A programme of training and drills were established throughout the deployment which took the form of various exercises, table top and practical, so that each member of the crew was confident in their role during any type of incident. It is important that all personnel understand the risks they may face and the mitigating measures to defend against it. Experience has shown that crew understanding and involvement engenders a greater degree of assurance and confidence.
Throughout the deployment our 24/7/365 Maritime Assistance centre (MAC), which continually monitors intelligence sources from around the world, tracked the position of both vessels via our web based tracking system and provided regular security alerts to both vessels on incidents occurring in the region of the transit.
In particular, this allowed the convoy to proactively change the passage plan during the transit to avoid an area where there had been several sightings of suspected pirate mother ship activity in the preceding two days.
As the transit approached the area of high threat, the MAC also established communications with the UK Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) which was followed up with daily reports.
The Team Leader sent daily reports throughout the transit to the land based Operations team who ensured the client was kept constantly updated on progress and following successful completion of the transit a full Post Deployment Report was sent to the client - a full summary of the operations encompassing any recommendations for future operations.