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16 Prior to entering areas, where attacks have occurred, Radio Operators should practice and perfect all appropriate radio operational procedures and ensure all transmitters, including satellite Ship Earth Stations, are fully operational and available for immediate use on distress and safety frequencies.
17 Should an attack occur and, in the opinion of the master, the ship or crew are in grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance, he should immediately authorize the broadcasting of a distress message, preceded by the appropriate distress alerts (MAYDAY, SOS, DSC, etc.), using all available radiocommunication systems. The appropriate RCC should acknowledge receipt and attempt to establish communications. To minimize delay, if using a ship earth station, ships should ensure the Coast Earth Station associated with the RCC is used.
18 Ships should use the maximum lighting available consistent with safe navigation, having, in particular, regard to the provisions of rule 20(b) of the 1972 Collision Regulations. Bow, and overside lights should be left on, if possible.
19 In accordance with the ship's anti-attack plan, all doors allowing access to the bridge, engine room, steering gear compartments, officers' cabins and crew accommodation should be secured and controlled at all times and should be regularly inspected. The intention should be to establish secure areas which attackers will find difficult to penetrate.
20 Alarm signals, including the ship's whistle, should be sounded on the approach of attackers. Alarms and signs of response can discourage attackers. Alarm signals or announcements which provide an indication at the point at which the attacker may board, or have boarded, may help crew members in exposed locations select the most appropriate route to return to a secure
area.
21 Distress flares should only be used when the master considers that the attackers' actions are putting his ship in imminent danger.
22 Provided that navigational safety allows, masters should consider "riding off" attackers craft by heavy wheel movements as they approach. The effect of the bow wave and wash may deter would-be attackers and make it difficult for them to attach poles or grappling irons to the ship. Manoeuvres of this kind should not be used in confined or congested waters or close inshore or by vessels constrained by their draught in the confined deep-water routes found, for example, in the Malacca and Singapore Straits.
23
The carrying and use of firearms for personal protection or protection of a ship is strongly discouraged.
24
The countries of the Malacca Strait area should consider the use of suitably equipped helicopters in countering acts of piracy and armed robbery.
25
26
Security forces should consider the use of modern night vision equipment.
A local rule of the road amendment allowing ships under attack to flash or occult their "not under command" lights should be authorized in areas where pirate attacks are possible.
W/9181e