Steamship Mutual Loss Prevention DVD “PIRACY - The Menace at Sea”

Steamship Mutual, a leading P&I Club, has announced the imminent launch of its latest Loss Prevention DVD entitled “PIRACY – The Menace at Sea”.

The wholly unacceptable threat to merchant shipping and seafarers from the activities of Somali pirates unfortunately shows little sign of receding. Whilst the naval deterrent that exists within the Gulf of Aden has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of attacks in that area, vessels continue to be at risk of attack far offshore where naval resources are less concentrated.

The Best Management Practice Guidelines (BMP) have been compiled by the industry to assist Masters and their crews to implement effective action deter piracy and to reduce the vulnerability of vessels.  It is self-evident that if pirates are prevented from boarding a vessel, it cannot be hijacked. Consequently, effective BMP compliance is essential to reduce the risk of a vessel being pirated.  It is therefore surprising that there continue to be vessels transiting the high risk area that do not implement the BMP guidelines, either fully or at all.

In view of the persistent threat to merchant ships and seafarers from Somali pirates, the Managers of Steamship Mutual firmly believe that there is considerable loss prevention benefit to be derived from the encouragement of more widespread compliance with the BMP guidelines. The Club’s latest loss prevention DVD “Piracy – The Menace at Sea” has been produced with that objective, and its release within the next few weeks, will closely follow the publication of the latest iteration of the BMP guidelines – BMP4.

The loss prevention potential of this production has been recognised by the wide range of organisations involved with the counter-piracy effort that have supported this project, such as EU NAVFOR, NATO, UKMTO, OCIMF, IMO,  INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, BIMCO and the IMB. The Club greatly appreciates the assistance they have provided. As with the Club’s previous loss prevention DVDs the project was undertaken by Callisto Productions of Aberdeen and financed by The Ship Safety Trust. Filming was on location in the UAE and London.  In addition to the film, the DVD will contain important reference documents, including BMP4, and web-links relevant to the issue of piracy. In order to facilitate improved understanding amongst seafarers of BMP compliance requirements, the film will also be sub-titled in Chinese, Russian, and Tagalog.

The premiere of the film before an invited audience will take place in London on 3rd August. Copies of the DVD will be supplied free of charge once production work has been completed.

Mr Chris Adams, Head of Loss Prevention at Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited said:


“It is important that all vessels transiting the high risk area have a copy of this DVD onboard, and that seafarers watch it in order to maximise their prospects of avoiding capture. The human cost of piracy is less prominent than it should be and we owe it to our seafarers to do the most that we can to assist them from becoming victims of this unacceptable menace.”

…Ends…

Note to Editors: Additional images, comments and materials are available upon request from:

Head of Loss Prevention

Chris Adams
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited
 +44 207 650 6455 (direct)
 +44 7887 947510 (mobile)
chris.adams@simsl.com

or can be downloaded from the  Club’s web-site using the following links: www.simsl.com/PiracyDVD.htm and www.simsl.com/PiracyDVDPressMats.htm

Press contact:

Jackie Callard
+44 (0) 20 7650 6515
jackie.callard@simsl.com

About Steamship Mutual

Steamship Mutual (managed by Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited) is a leading provider of Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance. As one of the largest P&I Clubs in the International Group, Steamship Mutual insures a diverse range of shipping around the globe, for both shipowners and charterers.

Steamship Mutual offers a comprehensive range of P&I products and ancillary covers. The Club consistently delivers a first-rate service to its Members, providing high quality professional claims management and services, backed by a stable financial position and strong free reserves.

With offices in London, Bermuda, Hong Kong, Brazil and correspondents in every major shipping port worldwide, Steamship Mutual employs highly professional and experienced staff including qualified lawyers, ex-senior mariners, and specialist insurance and claims experts.

For further information visit: www.simsl.com