The security of a ship or boat at sea is vital to safety of the crew, passengers, cargo, and environment. Required initial training for commercial mariners is attending a class for Vessel Security Awareness.
The syllabus is offered in two versions, with or without duties. Not meant to be a cover-all for this level of risk, it does however serve as a great introduction, making crewmembers aware of the need to perform the basics in this mainly collateral task. Although this subject may not have a direct influence or factor in to your experience on the lake, this type of preparation for security is applicable for everyone who ventures offshore.
One situation you can encounter even in this modern age of boating is piracy. This threat is ongoing, not just overseas off the coast of Africa or Asia, but can happen anywhere, and in reality it does. The training text and actual photo evidence in the course describes what to look for as in suspicious behaviors or actions and then reporting those observations to the authorities. There are also dedicated officers that perform this function on the vessel, the company, at the port, and with other agencies.
Different types of weapons used by pirates and terrorists are discussed in class, including WMDs as it pertains to the Maritime World. A large ship carrying millions of gallons of highly explosive fuel, chemicals, or natural gas is just an example of something that has to be protected. The fundamental premise of the training is: “See Something, Say Something.” Essential information is professionally conveyed to the student but there are a few items that warrant further consideration and know-how that are not covered in the short one-day class. Once the crewmember reports onboard the ship, more related training, specific to the vessel layout, cargo, and voyage route is provided through more extensive personnel drills and exercises. Safety precautions and techniques are taught in an actual environment, a process which proves to be extremely helpful in honing the skills required.
Some of the counter-terrorism practices utilized by companies when a crew is under attack by pirates is to shelter in a safe place onboard the vessel. A compartment or room that is tightly secured through a single main door. There is one very significant detail to highlight about this type of action and that is; the door is locked … from the OUTSIDE!
Given the environment of going to sea, watertight doors on ships should be lock controlled from the outside to enable quick access for damage control, and something very important called, space accountability.
That actually means that someone else has to unlock the door to allow for a safe exit. Some might consider this setting a good feature of being safeguarded from harm in this bunker like room made of strong steel plates welded together. It does however present a major problem which is: you will NOT be able to get out without assistance. Obviously, there are many reasons this could be hazardous such as, fire, flooding, and ship abandonment.
Acknowledging there is always risk involved on the water, there is a truly remarkable method using a small device that can keep you safely inside, yet exit on demand from behind a locked door. Invented by a professional Chief Engineering Officer, still serving in the maritime industry, it is a simple, cost effective design, easy to install and operate, called Safe Escape Lock. (
www.SafeEscapeLock.com).
Already in production the device is approved by many agencies including American Bureau of Shipping, International Maritime Organization, and the USCG. The safety lock is a real game changer when it comes to security and compliance with maritime counter piracy regulations. In the majority of scenarios, the most effective approach to a problem is the simpler solution. Innovation helps counter this type of menace at sea and performs an important mission keeping seafarers safe … Behind the Door.
