Interactive guidance publication to help all vessels plan voyages and to detect, avoid, deter, delay and report attacks and incidents wherever they occur.

The Industry Associations of BIMCO, ICS, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO & OCIMF supported by over forty maritime stakeholders, have today released a consolidated and enhanced publication Best Management Practices  for Maritime Security .

As an interactive online publication, BMP Maritime Security consolidates previously published regional publications into a single, comprehensive publication with actionable insights and advice.  It focuses on providing a threat and risk management process and, recognising the dynamic nature of regional security situations, provides signposts to direct users to the most up-to-date security intelligence and risk assessment information. BMP MS is now available to view on the industry website  https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/.

Seafarers operating ships around the world encounter a range of maritime security threats, which often involve aggressive state and non-state actors.  Although these threats vary across regions and in their severity, they can have a traumatic effect on seafarers who face unwarranted physical and mental harm. In some cases, being held as hostages and subjected to violence and ill-treatment for extended periods.

To counter the threat, existing BMP guidance has greatly improved the industry’s ability to understand, detect, and deter maritime security threats in recent years, but the advice needs to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat environment. In BMP Maritime Security, users can

navigate easily to different sections and link directly to external sources. Additionally, the publication includes various diagrams that provide valuable learning opportunities. The publication includes a significant section detailing global authorities and, importantly, appropriate contacts and tools for seafarer welfare support.

BIMCO – David Loosley, BIMCO Secretary General & CEO. said:

“2024 saw an unprecedented spike in attacks against merchant ships. Ships were attacked with weapons of war in the Black Sea and in the Southern Red Sea more than one hundred times, and four innocent seafarers lost their lives. Globally, 126 seafarers were held hostage during pirate attacks and armed robberies, and 12 seafarers were kidnapped. BMP MS will reduce risks and save lives. While we cannot control how the threats will develop in 2025 and beyond, we can make sure that we have the best tools available to help protect our seafarers and world trade.”

ICS – Guy Platten, Secretary General, said:

“Recent years have shown the stark security threats that seafarers and the industry can face in the service of world trade. From the conflict in Ukraine to the Red Sea Crisis, the dangers faced by shipping have increased to a severity not seen in two generations. This new global BMP continues the shipping industry’s unswerving commitment to protecting seafarers and mitigating threats to the trade on which we all depend.”

IMCA – Iain Grainger, Chief Executive, said:
“The maritime industry faces an ever-evolving landscape of security threats, making it essential for seafarers to have access to the most up-to-date and practical guidance. BMP Maritime Security provides a consolidated resource that helps vessels proactively manage risk, safeguard the welfare of crews, and enhance maritime security resilience worldwide. People are our key asset, so IMCA is proud to support this initiative, ensuring that best practices continue to evolve alongside the challenges our industry faces.” INTERCARGO – Kostas G. GKONIS, PhD, Director / Secretary General, said:

“The new consolidated BMP guidance, developed by the maritime industry in coordination with naval forces, addresses escalating global threats to the safety and well-being of seafarers. INTERCARGO proudly supports this vital collaboration which cuts across traditional sector boundaries to deliver clear, actionable security protocols to protect those working at sea. Through our joint work, we should collectively ensure that these practices reach and empower every vessel, requiring sustained cooperation between frontline crews, whose dedication keeps global trade moving, and security resources and expertise.”

INTERTANKO – Tim Wilkins, Managing Director, said:

“As seafarers navigate conflict and armed threats, it is our duty as shipowner representatives to provide them with the most up-to-date information and guidance to ensure their safety. The revised BMP and related threat overviews reflect the collaborative efforts of many of our members, drawing on the hard-earned experience of the maritime industry. INTERTANKO considers BMP as being a vital reference for every vessel.”

OCIMF – Karen Davis, Managing Director, said:

“In the current heightened threat environment, where seafarers face unprecedented security challenges, the maritime community needs clear advice on how to manage threats, the risks, and the best mitigations to implement. This publication builds on a successful series of BMPs consolidating the best information available in one publication, BMP Maritime Security.”

Best Management Practice (BMP) Maritime Security publication replaces previously published issues or supported guidance.