APPENDIX
DECALOGUE OF SAFETY
1 Watch over the ship and the cargo
It is the duty of every Captain to take care of the cargo and take precautionary measures for the complete safety of the ship, as well as that of the activities carried out on board by the crew or other persons employed on board. All crew members should co-operate in the vigilance, in their own interests, communicating any suspicious activity to the Officer of the Watch.
2 Illuminate the ship and its side
Keep the ship illuminated, particularly, the outer side and the whole length of the deck, using high powered floodlights. Bad visibility impedes the action of the watchmen, constituting a favourable factor for unlawful activities. Do not forget what is recommended in rules 2 and 30 of the COLREG.
3 Establish communication for outside support
Whenever possible, install a telephone line with easy access for the watchman or crew member on duty. The Port Authorities maintain a permanent service for combating crime. Ask for assistance by the telephone.
Remember also that (list the stations which will be on permanent watch on VHF - channel 16). These stations can forward the request for assistance to the competent authorities.
4 Control of accesses to the cargo and to living quarters
The Captain's cabin is one of the main objectives of the assailants who are looking for money and the master keys to other living quarters, to steal the crew's personal effects of value and nautical equipment from the bridge. The cabins and other living quarters should be kept locked whenever their occupants are absent.
Normally cargo will only be the object of robbery or theft if the criminals have advance knowledge of the contents, through information collected by unscrupulous persons who have access to the bill of lading. Attempt to stow the containers with valuable cargo in a manner to obstruct their doors. Isolate the means of access to the ship and also the accesses to the internal areas, creating a sole way of entry and exit by the gangway, guaranteeing its control by the watchman posted there.
5 Keep the portholes closed
Open portholes can be an easy access to clever criminals: close them with the clips in place always when you leave. Try also, to keep the accesses to internal areas locked, guaranteeing the entry and exit by the gangway watchman.
6 Do not leave valuables exposed
Try to reduce the opportunities of robbery by removing all portable equipment which is not in use to its place of storage. Valuables left exposed tempt opportunistic thieves, keep them in safe place under lock and key.
