The 2000 revisions to ShipMaster's Security Manual - the only BIMCO publication designed for use on-board merchant ships as a training and reference tool, covering the major maritime security risks - drug smuggling, piracy and stowaways - in a single volume have been released. The revisions reflect BIMCO's ongoing efforts to protect ship owners and crew members from the consequences of having illicit drugs smuggled on board. The new anti-drug smuggling agreements established between BIMCO and the customs administrations of Belgium, Finland and Sweden were a major impetus for the update. Suspicions of drug-smuggling activity can now be reported to the customs officials in twelve countries in strict confidentiality. The revisions include an updated section containing the IMO Guidance to shipowners and ship operators, shipmasters and crews on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships, as embodied in MSC circular 623/Rev.1.BIMCO played a key role in ensuring that the concerns of shipowners and seafarers were addressed in this IMO Circular. Another new feature is the Stowaway Reporting Form, designed to comply with the requirements of IMO's Facilitation Committee, which is presently addressing this issue. BIMCO members were first provided with a similar form in November 1998.
The BIMCO
ShipMaster's Security Manual is available from
BIMCO Publications A/S
Bagsvaerdvej 161
2880
Bagsvaerd, Denmark
Phone: +45 44366800
Fax: +45 44366868
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