Governing Your Risk n Securing People

SULU ARCHIPELAGOSECURITY SERVICES

The Threat

Since March 2016, there has been a resurgence

of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) led kidnappings off

the Sulu Archipelago. Around 50-60 seafarers

have been kidnapped in the past 12 months

from a variety of vessels and whilst most attacks

involve tugs, barges and trawlers, ASG have

demonstrated their ability to attack larger

merchant vessels, including bulk carriers and

general cargo vessels.

Not all kidnappings are necessarily conducted

by ASG directly, as evidence suggests criminal

enterprises have previously conducted

kidnappings and then sold hostages onto the

Filipino terrorist group.

ISIS-affiliated ASG militants are very violent and

a number of seafarers have been killed or badly

injured during boardings. The group will behead

hostages if ransom payments are not met, which

are typically in the region of USD$1 million. The

Philippines have intensified counter-attacks

on ASG in Mindanao and Tawi-Tawi, but the

terrorist group has shown a degree of resilience

in adapting to lost territory.

The Solution

A layered service proposition is proposed below

that caters to the variety of companies operating

in the region.

Layer 1

Vessel Security Audits & Crew Training

An EOS consultant would fly out to meet the

client’s vessel in a suitable port of call prior to the

vessel’s transit of the Sulu/Celebes high risk area.

The consultant would embark the vessel and

conduct the following tasks:

n Review vessel hardening measures in line with

BMP4 and industry best practice specific to

the region/threat. Upgrades would be made

during the visit if the necessary resources

were available. Where necessary, additional

equipment (razor wire, chocks, steel bars etc.)

would be recommended for purchase and

installation. Particular attention would be paid

to the citadel, as this is the best and often final

resort to protect the crew.

Effective Maritime Security Solutions. EOS Risk Group provides professional and cost-effective maritime

solutions and advice for companies operating in the region.

SULU ARCHIPELAGO SECURITY SERVICES

Tawau

Manado

KotaKinabalu

Bandar Seri Begawan

BRUNEI

MALAYSIA

ZamboangaDavao

Sandakan

Situational Map

Pirate Attack

Vessel Hijack

Approach

Main Threat Area in Red

versa, although many other embarkation and

disembarkation points are available. EOS can also

provide armed Indonesian guards for transit of

the Makassar Strait.

Local Authorities will continually track the

Client Vessel and will respond to any incidents

should they arise. All guards come with official

approval the Royal Malaysian Police (the written

approval is issued each time a team deploys

and includes for each guard; Name, Weapon

Serial. No., Number of rounds issued, Client

vessel name, IMO number, embarkation and

disembarkation points).

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We believe our escort vessel ratesare some of the most competitive in the industry.

n Review communications procedures in line

with current reporting mechanisms. Ensure the

Master is aware where to send daily reports and

have email templates and call cascades ready.

n Drill the crew in security incident procedures

and, in particular, a timed citadel retreat.

Layer 2

Embarked Bridge Advisor

This would likely run as an addition to Tier

1, where the advisor would stay onboard to

assist with watch keeping, continue drills and

conduct liaison with EOS Ops and the Malaysian/

Indonesian guards.

Layer 3

Embarked Royal Malaysian and Indonesian

Marine Police

In conjunction with local security partners, EOS

can provide armed RMP to vessels transiting

the Malayan portion of the risk area. Our

Malaysian teams are typically embarked at Tawau

OPL and disembarked at Kudat OPL, or vice

EOS Risk Group Ltd. The Leadenhall Building,

122 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4AB

eosrisk.com

info@eosrisk.com

+44 (0) 20 3004 3137 (24/7) 24/7