Where this sits
Governing: STCW Table A-VI/6-1 (recognition of threats); BMP Maritime Security; MGN 70 (M) Amendment 1; MGN 440 (M) Amendment 1. Builds on: Module 1.
The threats in outline
| Threat | Typical yacht exposure |
|---|---|
| Piracy | Attacks on the high seas in known regions. Rare for yachts, which mostly avoid those areas, but relevant on delivery passages |
| Armed robbery against ships | The same acts in territorial waters or at anchor. Theft from tenders, toys and swim platforms is the common yacht version |
| Terrorism | Low probability, high consequence. Yachts are high-profile and berth near crowds |
| Smuggling | Drugs, weapons or cash hidden on board, in stores, or on crew and contractors |
| Stowaways | People getting aboard to travel; more common at commercial quays and in some regions |
| Activists | Planned boardings for media attention, sometimes aimed at particular owners |
| Cyber | Covered in L2.2 |
| Kidnap and extortion | Owners, guests and crew ashore are more exposed than the vessel |
Piracy and armed robbery: BMP MS
The industry guidance is BMP Maritime Security (BMP MS). It replaced BMP5, BMP West Africa and the Global Counter Piracy Guidance with one threat-and-risk process that applies anywhere. A companion threat overview (MISTO) is meant to be updated every 3 to 6 months. UKMTO hosts BMP MS and runs the Voluntary Reporting Scheme for ships in its area.
Awareness-level points for crew:
- attackers look for low freeboard, slow speed and an unwatched deck;
- the approach is often fast skiffs, sometimes with a mother ship;
- the measures in the SSP (watches, lighting, access control, a muster point) only work if crew follow them;
- your job is to raise the alarm early and go where the plan says, not to fight.
UK policy is that armed guards are an option to protect life only in exceptional circumstances and where lawful (MGN 440).
Activist boardings
The 2026 edition of BMP MS, announced by BIMCO on 6 July 2026, adds a section on activist boardings. Activists usually plan carefully and want media coverage. The guidance is to include activism in threat assessment, secure access points, report promptly, keep communications open and stay professional. It advises against physical confrontation and technical anti-boarding measures such as razor wire or water cannon.
Smuggling
Drugs can be hidden in provisions, in contractor tool bags, in toy and tender compartments, or be carried by crew. If drugs are found on your vessel, the yacht may be detained and the crew questioned. Awareness means:
- never carry a package on board for someone else;
- check deliveries against orders;
- report anything that looks tampered with: resealed boxes, fresh screws on panels, disturbed stores.
Stowaways
Stowaways get aboard through unwatched gangways, tender landings, stores and garages. Search before sailing, as the SSP directs. If one is found, keep them safe and apart, treat them humanely, and inform the master, who reports under MGN 70.
WARNING: Do not confront Whatever the threat, the awareness-level response is observe, raise the alarm, report. Leave intervention to those the SSP designates, and to the authorities.