Best Management Practices (West Africa) - Updated Guidelines

With piracy (and, to a limited extent) crew kidnappings being an established criminal activity, the maritime industry has now updated the previously interim Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for Protection against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

The guidelines can be found here.

A stated objective of the Guidelines is to bridge the gap between BMP4 (guidelines applicable to Gulf of Aden / Indian Ocean transits) and the prevailing situation in the Gulf of Guinea region.

Although the nature of attacks in Gulf of Guinea region are different from Somalia based piracy, it is nonetheless recommended that the Guidelines should be read in conjunction with BMP4.

The Association encourages all Members involved in trade to the region to read and follow the Guidelines closely.