MNLOs in the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa: Aaron Cooper and Simon Church explaing the Anti Piracy Planing Chart

The recent evasion of the pirates by the BW LION has been commended by the MNLO’s working in the MSCHOA operations centre in the EU NAVFOR OHQ. Simon Church, Industry Liaison Officer, stated that “I would like to specifically commend the professionalism of the Master, Officers and Crew of the BW LION for their anti pirate preparedness allowing them to withstand a sustained pirate attack for over two hours”
 
MSCHOA focusses its resources in providing advice, guidance and shaping practices in counter piracy planning in partnership with the shipping industry. This incidenct is a good example of this advice being used effectively. The coordination between the Master and the close contact and coordination with the UKMTO throughout the ordeal was also critical in the success of deterring this potential hijacking.

MNLOs in the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa: Simon Church explains the IRTC at a Planning Chart

Following this incident, MSCHOA reiterates their advice for all vessels proceeding to ports in East Africa, and that is,  to remain outside of the area bound by 10S and 60E, and avoiding the area between the Somali Coast and North and West of the Seychelles.  In addition, to report their position daily to UKMTO Dubai and MARLO when navigating in an area bound by Suez, 10S and 78E.  A Vessel Movement form, which is available on the MSCHOA website at www.mschoa.eu, should be submitted if the vessel is transiting between Points A and B of the IRTC (International Recommended Transit Corridor), or prior to reaching 10S if heading North, 12N if heading South or 58E if westbound to East African ports.  It is estimated that approx. 25% of vessels trading in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin regions are not reporting to UKMTO Dubai, MARLO or MSCHOA.  

MNLOs working closely with military colleagues in the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa

MSCHOA also encourages Ship-owners Associations and Flag States to guide their  members to the MSCHOA website at www.mschoa.eu to ensure that they are fully aware of the latest piracy information in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin and are also aware of the ship reporting guidelines and the recommendations contained in Version 2 of the Best Management Practices.

Further Information

Anti Piracy Planning Chart – Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean (PDF 6.0 MB)