Maritime Security: A Practical Guide for Mariners

Foreword

Preface

Chapter 1 The pillars of maritime security

Chapter 2 Threats to seafarers, ships and maritime trade

Chapter 3 Cybersecurity

Chapter 4 Evolution of maritime security

Chapter 5 Elements of the ISPS Code: role and responsibilities

Chapter 6 Basic shipboard security procedures

Chapter 7 Implication of the ISPS Code

Chapter 8 Security and seafarers

Chapter 9 Piracy

Chapter 10 Stowaways by sea

Chapter 11 Migrants and rescue at sea

Chapter 12 Crimes and criminality at sea

Chapter 13 Conclusions and recommendations

About the author

Steven Jones MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), AFNI, FRSA Maritime Consultant Steven Jones is a maritime security expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has worked as a consultant, investigator, auditor and author on maritime security issues and is a respected expert in the field having worked with leading companies and organisations globally.

In addition, Jones has been involved in setting international standards for maritime security and the use of protection at sea. In addition, was co-founder of a trade body for the industry.

He has a deep understanding of the threats facing the maritime industry and the challenges of protecting seafarers, securing trade, ships and ports. He is also a strong advocate for the importance of maritime security and the need for international cooperation to address the threats.

Seaways Feature: Moving targets

Maritime security updates and developments

The concept of maritime security is inherently dynamic, continually shaped by the evolving nature of threats and the responses needed to address them. This is highlighted by the current situation in the Red Sea, which illustrates that as threats emerge and change, strategies to counter them must likewise adapt.

Although the foundational aspects of a maritime security culture are well-defined in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, it is crucial to regularly evaluate what has changed and adapt our responses according to the shifting realities that we face.

Red Sea risks

A static response or Ship Security Plan (SSP) is insufficient for addressing evolving threats. Therefore, it is essential to continuously reassess and re-evaluate how threats are identified and mitigated.

The recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea highlight a pressing need for both a reaffirmation of fundamental security principles and access to updated advice and guidance.

Since November 2023, the Houthis, non-state actors based in Yemen, have been targeting merchant shipping, jeopardising crews and threatening vessels transiting this vital global chokepoint. This security threat has led to numerous attacks on vessels, with devastating consequences for affected seafarers.

In early December 2023, the Houthis explicitly threatened to attack any ships they suspected of heading to Israeli ports, even though many of their assaults both before and after lacked any clear connection to Israel. By mid-December 2023, the Houthis escalated their threats to include vessels affiliated with the United States and its allies, particularly those involved in Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational effort aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.

Evolving threats

The attacks on vessels have taken various forms, with Houthi forces employing a range of weaponry including missiles and attack drones. There have also been attempts to board ships using small boats. On one occasion a helicopter was used to land an assault team on the deck, with video footage of the incident widely circulated.

In addition, there has been an increased use of motherships to launch assaults with groups of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). However, not all tactics are physical; some are more subtle yet still pose significant challenges. Vessels in the area are now facing heightened communication-based threats, with hostile entities using VHF radio to harass ships, demanding course changes and surrender at Yemeni ports. Furthermore, Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders are being misused to target vessels, underscoring the evolving maritime security threats.

Reports also suggest that Houthi forces are even using email to request vessel information, threatening what they label as ‘noncompliant’ ships. This multifaceted harassment broadens the threat landscape, potentially impacting crew morale and increasing the risk that such threats could escalate into physical confrontations.

New security resources

In response to the rapidly evolving situation, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) have jointly released a set of Bridge Emergency Reference Cards.

The CMF is a multinational naval partnership dedicated to promoting security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, which include some of the world’s most vital shipping lanes. Supporting this mission is the JMIC, established in February 2024. JMIC provides accurate, timely information about threats, particularly regarding Houthi attacks on merchant vessels, enabling shipping companies to assess risks and make informed operational decisions.

These Bridge cards are available online at https://www. maritimeglobalsecurity.org – see the QR code at the end of the article for a download link – and are essential for enhancing maritime security.

They consolidate critical information and procedures in a userfriendly format to effectively address the various threats faced in the Red Sea region. The reference cards detail a range of emergency scenarios, including:

• Missile and drone attacks (aerial/surface);
• Approach by suspicious craft;
• Piracy attacks/unauthorised boardings;
• Sea mines and unexploded ordnance;
• VHF hailing/harassment.

 Each scenario includes specific initial actions, response measures, and considerations for securing evidence and notifying the appropriate authorities. This structured approach not only supports immediate crisis management but also emphasises the importance of preparedness and crew training.

The cards highlight the evolving nature of maritime threats, stressing the necessity for seafarers to remain vigilant and informed. By incorporating good management practices and flag state advice, the document aligns with international maritime security standards, reinforcing the role of seafarers in protecting vessels and cargo.

The Bridge Emergency Reference cards offer practical guidance for emergency situations while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness. Ongoing training and familiarity with these reference cards can significantly enhance the resilience of vessels in the region against various threats.

Decision making

For some vessels, the level of risk has become unacceptable, prompting them to select alternative routes and avoid the area entirely. It is essential to understand that maintaining security often demands critical decisions. In this context, the most significant choice has been whether to transit the Red Sea or take a different route. Recent data indicates that many owners and operators are opting to steer clear of the region as threats continue to evolve.

This shifting security landscape has prompted significant changes in the decision-making processes of major shipowners. Confronted with attacks, leadership has prioritised safety. This evolution reflects a broader trend where security considerations have taken centre stage in maritime operations. The decision to divert vessels underscores the seriousness of the situation, as companies conduct risk assessments case by case while recognising ongoing volatility in the area.

As a result of this rerouting, total vessel transits in the Red Sea dropped by 56% year-on-year as of September 2024, according to industry data. Reporting website MarineTraffic recorded a 73% decline in container vessel transits, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) traffic plummeted by 87%. Dry breakbulk traffic fell by 54%, and mixed dry cargo decreased by 37%. Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) traffic declined by 74%, roll-on/roll-off vessels by 78%, and wet bulk cargo by 41%.

In contrast, ship traffic around the Cape of Good Hope surged by 76%, with container ship transits skyrocketing by 420%. This trend highlights the critical importance of risk assessment and the proactive measures taken to ensure safety and security in response to evolving threats.

Maritime security guidance

In the ever-changing landscape of maritime operations, ensuring security demands flexibility and adaptability to address evolving challenges. Effective maritime security is built on several foundational elements, which include:

Intelligence: Understanding potential threats through intelligence gathering and engagement with data sources is essential for proactive security decision-making. Accessing this information allows Company Security Officers (CSOs) to make informed choices necessary for security.

Risk assessment: Continuous evaluation of risks associated with maritime operations empowers seafarers to prioritise security actions based on current threat levels, fostering a culture of vigilance and awareness of response options.

Vulnerability assessment: Identifying vulnerabilities within a vessel’s operations is crucial. A detailed methodology for conducting vulnerability assessments complements the emphasis on hardening security measures, enabling crews to effectively mitigate risks.

Procedures and Protocols: Establishing clear procedures and protocols for responding to security incidents. Regularly reviewing and updating these protocols ensures they remain aligned with evolving threats and the structured response actions outlined in the reference cards.

Training and drills: Regular training and drills are essential for preparing crew members for emergencies. Integrating realistic scenarios into training programs fosters a culture of preparedness, building confidence and ensuring effective responses under pressure.

Communication: Effective communication, both internally among crew members and externally with maritime authorities. CSOs, the Master, and Ship Security Officers (SSOs) must develop strategies to enhance communication protocols, ensuring all crew members understand their roles during emergencies.

Record keeping: Maintaining thorough records of incidents and responses is critical for continuous improvement. Documentation is necessary for compliance, accountability, and learning, reflecting the need for incident logs highlighted in the reference cards.

Confidence building: Developing the capability to respond effectively is essential, but it is equally important to build confidence.

Both at sea and ashore, reassurance in handling emergencies drives good leadership and positive decision-making, which can make a difference in critical moments.

The Nautical Institute’s publication Maritime Security: A Practical Guide for Mariners offers a comprehensive understanding of these essential foundational elements for effective security practices, and is designed to equip readers with the skills and insights needed to tackle a wide range of threats.

The publication outlines a regulatory framework that highlights the responsibilities of shipping companies, vessels, and personnel in implementing effective security measures. Alongside specific threat responses, such as the JMIC/CMF Bridge Emergency Reference Cards, the guide emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to maritime security, integrating both proactive and reactive measures to safeguard operations.

By blending practical strategies with theoretical insights, the book equips maritime professionals with the knowledge and confidence to address security challenges as they arise, effectively responding to the shifting realities of global threats.

Moreover, it emphasises the importance for Company Security Officers (CSOs), Masters and Ship Security Officers (SSOs) to understand the evolving risks they face. Utilising the available guidance along with robust risk assessment and management protocols is essential for informed decision-making in this dynamic environment.

Click here to access and download the Bridge Emergency Reference Cards free of charge.