What BMP 5 replaces in the previous BMP 4 guidance

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1. Best Management Practice guide (“BMP 5”) was  released on 28 June 2018.

2.  BMP 5 was Released by BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Group

     of  P&I Clubs, INTERTANKO and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum.

3. In addition to piracy, BMP 5 considers other threats including the use of anti-ship missiles, sea 

    mines and Water-Borne Improvised Explosive Devises (WBIED).

4. The risk assessment under section 3 of BMP 5 includes several issues that must be considered by 

    companies. These include the requirements of the Flag State, company, charterer and insurers; an 

    assessment of the threat; co-operation with military resources; the use of armed guards; the 

    characteristics of the ship and the applicable procedures of both the ship and company.

5. Under section 5, where a citadel is used it must be well constructed with reliable communications 

    and be supplied with food, water and sanitation. The use of the citadel must be drilled and the Ship 

    Security Plan must define the conditions and supporting logistics for its use.

6. In relation to the use of Private Maritime Security Companies, BMP 5 provides a list of the issues 

    which should be considered. BMP 5 also recommends that any security companies engaged are 

    accredited to ISO28007-1:2015 and highlights the importance of the Master’s overriding authority.

7. The company should have a policy in place to cover situations where there is a kidnap and ransom

     of    the crew.

8. Under section 7, following a hijacking, BMP 5 recommends INTERPOL be contacted to give 

     advice on the preservation of evidence that could be useful to law enforcement agents.

9. Annex G provides specific guidance to vessels engaged in fishing.

10. The release of BMP 5 coincided with the launch of a new website www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org

      which provides free security related guidance, together with access to best practice guides, 

      including BMP5.  Links are provided to other useful maritime security resources which may assist 

      Members to protect their crews and ships from security threats.  The website brings together 

      several types of security risks to ships including piracy, cyber, migration, stowaways, smuggling 

      and armed conflicts and war.

 Members should  carefully consider the content of BMP 5 to determine whether their ships comply with these new requirements and further consider other applicable guidance such as Global Counter Piracy Guidance for Companies, Master and Seafarers.