1. Which of the following were particularly significant features in the seizure of the “Sirius Star” by Somali pirates in November 2008? (Select all applicable answers)
It was the largest vessel seized to date.
The ship was seized at an unexpectedly large distance from the nearest land.
There was a significant risk of pollution if the ship had been damaged.
2. Within the region listed as the North Indian Ocean / Arabian Sea / East Africa, which sea area is considered the most dangerous for piracy activity?
The waters off the Horn of Africa.
3. The term “Piracy” has a legal definition. Where does it say that this activity takes place?
On the high seas and outside the jurisdiction of any State.
4. Pirates sometimes disguise their craft, so that passing merchant ships are not suspicious. What type of craft do they commonly attempt to appear as?
Local fishing boats.
5. Pirate boats sometimes broadcast false distress signals. Why do they do this?
To try to get a merchant ship to reduce speed in response.
6. Pirates sometimes use larger vessels to tow smaller boats far out into the ocean, to enable them to attack ships far away from the coast. What name is generally given to these larger vessels?
Mother ships.
7. Pirates generally observe a potential target before attacking. Which of the following will they typically look for on a merchant ship as signs of weakness? (Select all applicable answers).
Slow speed.
Low freeboard.
Lack of preparation.
Lack of alertness.
Slow response.
8. The primary information on preparing the ship against attacks by pirates is located in which of the following sources?
The Ship Security Plan.
9. Why can the Captain and Watch keeping Officers not rely on radar to alert them to the approach of pirates in small boats? (Select all applicable answers)
Because the boats are often made of wood and present poor radar targets.
There may be blind spots in the radar coverage.
10. Who is responsible for establishing and monitoring the general fleet-wide anti-piracy procedures?
The Company Security Officer.
11. Which of the following are examples of navigational procedures that have been implemented in known piracy areas to better protect merchant ships? (Select all applicable answers)
The creation of “safety corridors”.
“Group Transit” merchant ship convoys.
12. Which of the following organizations broadcasts regular “live” piracy alerts and bulletins?
The International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre.
13. What particular piece of bridge equipment, normally used to communicate details of vessels between each other and with shore stations, might be switched off in or near a known piracy area?
The AIS.
14. How is it recommended that deck lighting is used when transiting an area of known piracy activity?
It should be provided only as required for safety and otherwise kept switched off.
15. If a small craft is acting suspiciously close to the ship and it is suspected that an attack might take place, what kind of alert message should be broadcast over the VHF?
Pan Pan
16. If a pirate attack is underway, what kind of message should be broadcast over the VHF?
Mayday
17. What kind of signal does the SSAS send?
A covert, silent ship-to-shore signal, alerting the Company, the Flag State authorities and closest national authorities.
18. You are the Captain of a ship that has been boarded by pirates. Despite your crew's best efforts, they manage to reach the bridge and have gained entry. They have the cook with them and are holding a knife to his neck. What will you do?
Cease any further resistance and attempt to calm the situation.
19. You are sailing through an area where a naval task force operates. Your Ship Security Plan includes the use of the steering gear as a “citadel”. How can this help you if pirates gain access to your ship?
It can buy time for the naval task force to reach the ship.
20. The International Maritime Organization is very clear in its recommended policy on firearms being used to defend merchant ships and their crews against attacks by pirates. What does it recommend?
That firearms are not used.
21. How should you behave if pirates seize control of your ship? (Select all applicable answers).
Stay calm.
Be cooperate.
Obey instructions.
22. What is the role of a “negotiator”?
He acts as the “middle man” between the owners and the pirates.
23. Your ship was taken by pirates and the ship's crew have been confined to the messroom. The ship has broken down in international waters and surrounded by a naval task force. Suddenly, you realise that a rescue mission is being attempted. Which of the following will you do? (Select all applicable answers)
Lie down and cover my head with my hands.
Keep my hands empty and visible at all times.
Follow instructions from the task force personnel.
Answer questions.
Stay away from the windows and doors.
24. International law recognizes that “piracy” takes place on the high seas. What term is generally applied to similar aggressive acts that take place within territorial waters?
Armed robbery.