Bridge emergency reference cards for use in high-risk areas

Heightened military and political tensions in the Middle East region pose significant risks to commercial vessels. Meanwhile, pirates and armed robbers continue to threaten seafarers in the waters off West Africa, South-East Asia, and Somalia. In recognition of these ongoing security threats, the following bridge cards have been published, covering a wide range of potential security events in these high-risk areas:

• JMIC Bridge Emergency Reference Cards: The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has produced a set of bridge cards for use on board vessels operating in the Middle East region. The cards, which are intended to complement existing industry guidance and the BMP5, were updated in October 2024 and cover events such as:

  • missile and drone attack (aerial / surface),

  • approach by suspicious craft in port or at anchor,

  • sea mines,

  • unexploded ordinance,

  • piracy attack / unauthorized boarding, and

  • VHF hailing / harassment.

• OCIMF Bridge Cards: The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) Maritime Security Committee has produced a set of bridge cards for use on board vessels transiting the Gulf of Guinea region. The cards, which are intended to complement existing industry guidance and the BMP West Arica, were published in December 2020, and cover events such as:

  • kidnapping of crew,

  • hijacking of vessels,

  • armed robbery, and

  • cargo theft.

• IFC Bridge Card: The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) is a regional Maritime Security (MARSEC) centre hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy. In May 2022, the IFC released a bridge card offering guidance to vessels operating in the Voluntary Community Reporting (VCR) Area in South-East Asia. The card complements existing guidance provided by the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships in Asia.

Why bridge cards can be useful

Bridge cards are quick reference guides that aim to support seafarers during times of tension caused by piracy attacks or other security threats. They summarize and present important information in a clear, unambiguous, and easy to perceive manner, including reporting routines, contact details of regional reporting centers, how to detect a suspicious approach or attack early on, as well as recommended actions that can be taken in response to a number of malign activity situations.

While the cards are complementary to the information provided in a ship’s own security plan, BMPs, and security charts, they can be a useful safety aide memoire for masters and crews to follow when transiting the high-risk areas. We therefore encourage ship operators and Masters to take the guidance provided in the above referenced bridge cards into consideration in circumstances where their vessels may be exposed to security risks.

Additional sources of information

The Maritime Global Security website at www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org offers industry issued best practices, including BMPs, and other guidance to mariners by geographic region and type of security threat. Relevant information is also available via Gard’s hot topic page Piracy and armed robbery at sea.