Recognising threats
- Threats include unauthorised access, weapons, explosives and dangerous devices, stowaways, and drug or people smuggling.
- Signs of a threat include suspicious persons or behaviour, unattended packages, tampering, and unusual activity around the ship.
- Recognise the risk of piracy and armed robbery in certain areas, and the ship's response measures.
- Know the difference between normal and suspicious, so that the unusual is noticed and reported.
The seafarer aware of security learns to notice what is out of the ordinary: a person where they should not be, behaving oddly or watching the ship; an unattended package or bag; signs of tampering with seals, stores or the ship's structure; and unusual activity around the ship, especially in port. In certain areas the threat of piracy and armed robbery is real, and the ship takes specific measures against it. The skill is recognising the difference between normal and suspicious — most of what is noticed will be innocent, but noticing and reporting the genuinely unusual is what prevents a security incident.
WARNING — An unattended package is a potential threat An unattended bag or package, signs of tampering, or a suspicious person are potential security threats. Do not touch or investigate a suspicious item — report it to the Ship Security Officer and keep others clear.
TIP — Notice what is out of the ordinary Security awareness is largely about knowing what normal looks like so the abnormal stands out — a stranger in a restricted area, a broken seal, a watched gangway. When something is out of the ordinary, report it.