5.

Security Equipment
5.1Security equipment often used on ships:
1. Locks, grills etc.
2. Lighting.
3. Hand held Radios.
4. Closed Circuit Televisions.
5. Automatic Intrusion Detection Device (Burglar Alarm).
6. Metal Detectors.
7. General Alarm, etc.
Other Security Measures used might include:
Fire hoses used to thwart access to the weather deck.
Rods welded on accesses like hawse pipes etc. to block access.
Gratings used to block Companion Ladders, etc.
Butterfly nuts/pad eyes used on water tight doors.

Use of Water Spray by fire hoses to thwart boarding

Blocking of companion ways

The use of water spay and/or foam monitors is effective means in delaying/deterring any
attempt to illegally board the ship..

It will be prudent to hoses / monitors should be fixed in position to cover likely access routes and
remotely controlled.

Water cannons deliver water in a vertical sweeping arc and protect a great part of hull. Water
spray rails with spray nozzle create a water curtain covering a large area to good effect.

Use of all available fire and general service pumps may be required to ensure that all defenses
operated efficiently.

It is important to control access to accommodation/ machinery spaces to deter/delay entry.

Efforts must be directed to deny access to these spaces. Escape routes must remain accessible
to the crew at all times.
Limitation of Security Equipment

Prior to using or installing any security equipment, personnel must know their limitations and
how they can be circumvented.
Security Alert System:
 May cause false alerts.
 Master may not be able to activate the alarm.
 Response?
Locks:
 Should not be used in emergency escape routes.
 Can be picked or broken.
Lighting:
 Needs to be switched on.
 Has limited coverage and creates blind spots.
 Bulbs can be broken.
 Wires can be cut or shorted.
Handheld radios:
 Sufficient radios.
 Common security frequency.
 May not receive signals in certain areas (Engine Room).
 Hijackers may smash radio.
 Signals can be jammed.
 Batteries must be maintained – battery life, charging etc.
Close Circuit Television:
• Has limited area of coverage.
• Professionals may circumvent the equipment.
• The camera may be broken.
• Policy on recording and storage of tapes.
Automatic Intrusion Detection Device:
 May cause false alarms.
 Professionals may bypass or circumvent the system.
Metal Detector:
 Has limited sensitivity.
 May not be able to detect metallic objects inside the body.
 Only detects presence of metal but does not identify it.
General Alarm, etc.
 May cause false alarms. Personnel will not know why the alarm was sounded
and will muster at their regular muster points.
 Rods or gratings may be cut with a hacksaw blade or a laser cutter.

5.3 Testing Calibration and maintenance of Security Equipment and systems

 Regular testing and calibration to be carried out at set intervals and in line with
manufacturers instructions.
 All equipment to be maintained as part of general maintenance plan (PMS) and
according to the instructions of the manufacturer.

 The Company must decide the minimum quantity of spare parts for critical security
equipment to be kept on board. As soon as spare part is utilised, a request for
replacement should be made.