On the good use of the citadel against piracy
The (re)appearance of citadels in certain merchant ships circulating in the Indian Ocean does not in any way guarantee military action » the multinational forces present in the area (Eunavfor as well as NATO) are repeating in all tones. A message that was repeated recently during the unfortunate capture of the German freighter, MV Beluga appointment.
The “Citadel” is the old principle of the medieval castle, reintroduced on modern ships. A place of refuge, secure, secret (generally at the bottom of the passageways), equipped with enough food to last a while, which allows the crew to first escape possible exchanges of fire which could risk killing them. injure in the event of an attack, and (possibly) wait for help to arrive.
Citadels have been used successfully recently. And, certainly, everyone saw in it the miracle recipe against pirates. " Some in the maritime industry saw the use of citadels as prompting a military response to liberate sailors ". It's a " misperception we assure both Eunavfor and NATO.
Review of Best Practices
The naval anti-piracy forces (EUNAVFOR, NATO, CMF) have thus recently reviewed the “ Best Maritime Practices » to specify the use of a citadel.
Three good rules must be followed:
- · 100% of the crew must be safe in the Citadel.
- · the crew must be in self-containment, independent, with 2 communication channels. A single VHF channel is insufficient.
- · Pirates must not have access to machine rooms.
A citadel must last at least 3 days in self-sufficiency:
- All emergency equipment in the Citadel must be thoroughly and regularly tested
- System communications systems should have batteries for a minimum of 3 days, based on a continuous opening of the communication channel.
- A full list of emergency numbers, including the UKMTO should be posted inside the Citadel.
- At least 3 days supply of food and water for the entire crew must be stored in the Citadel.
- Medical facilities, including the treatment of physical trauma and hygiene must be available.
Rather than a “citadel” I would call it a “dungeon”, the only access to the engine room (with what switches are needed to make the ship ungovernable?) and to the lifeboat (the underground passages of the Middle Ages? ) equipped with powerful and fast (outboard?) engines.