B) Bomb Search

If location is not known, then commence searches as follows –

Immediate action	Responsibility
If at sea or anchor search lifeboats first to ensure your escape route is clear. Search pathways to lifeboats from all points	3/O, Bosun, AB, AB Pumpman
Next search areas where shore personnel last had access to	C/O, 2/E + Crew designated by them depending on where persons last seen
Next check the locks or seals on restricted areas to see if any are broken or tampered with – this will give you an indication if something has been placed within. However remember that the bomb planter may have been able to pick locks and reclose them.	C/O, 3/O, Bosun, 2/E, 3/E, Machinist, Asst. Machinist
Then search points where personnel may be present and be hurt by an explosion such as: Bridge and associated stores/spaces Engine Control Room/Cargo Control Room Switchboard Areas, Galley and Mess rooms Muster Stations Bunker tank areas Specific Machinery Areas such as Steering Gear, Hydraulic Control Rooms, Fire Fighting control spaces Locations in vessel under the waterline and close to the hull	2/O, AB 4/E, E/O, Jr. Engr CCK, GS. TRCK BOSUN, AB, AB 4/E. Jr. Engr, 2/E, 3/E, OILER C/O, 2/E, Pumpman, OS
Then search areas that may cause maximum damage to the vessel or environment. Look for any rope suspended over the shipside from the railings or object on deck near tanks with cargo	BOSUN, AB, AB, Cadet
Then search individual spaces - Every crew member to search his own cabin, locker and area adjacent to his cabin	All crew
Then divide the search into three – One team searches externally around the accommodation One team searches common areas within the accommodation such as hydraulic room, cable ducts, alleyways, toilets, games rooms, changing room, store rooms, laundries One team searches the Engine Room overall	AB, AB, OS, Cadet ELT, CCK, GS, TRCK 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, Jr.Engr, ELT
Then search the forecastle spaces and any other spaces left	BOSUN, all other available crew

Search guidelines

Note - A clean and tidy ship helps searchers immeasurably when searching for a foreign object.

• Look for any object that does not fit in normally.

• Each person should search his own accommodations space and his work space that he is familiar with.

• When searching a common room use two men. Search from left to right with one searching high and the other low.

• Use dog leg mirrors and torches if possible to look under or behind objects.

• After searching a space mark it as searched, so it is not inadvertently searched again. Remember time is of essence.

• When searching in the engine room allot two men to each platform. Again search from left to right, one man searching high and the other low. Mark spaces already searched.

• Do not waste time at first searching behind panelling that has to be unscrewed or lifted off with difficulty unless there are definite indications that it has been disturbed.

c) DISCOVERY OF BOMB / EXPLOSIVE DEVICE

The following action should be considered in case of discovery of a bomb or

suspected explosive device.

Immediate action	Responsibility
Do not attempt to move or interfere with the device in any way	Crew discovering the device
Inform OOW/SSO/Master. Do not use portable radiotelephone sets within 10 meters of the suspected object as the radio waves can trigger off certain explosive devices. Move away behind a sheltered bulkhead.	Crew discovering the device
Sound emergency alarm and announce location of explosive device	OOW
Crew Muster on open deck well away from the location of the explosive device	All crew
At sea, activate the Ship Security Alert System and broadcast a urgency message In port, Communication made with shore authorities by quickest means possible (VHF or Mobile phone). Report to CSO if possible.	Master
Describe the device, take digital photo if possible and transmit	SSO
Clear the area in six planes and cordon off	SSO
Do not handle or pull any wires or touch any switches	All crew
If the device is in an enclosed space, keep all openings open so as to diffuse any blast	SSO
Move people away from the bomb and not the bomb away from people. Establish protective cover such as sandbags, mattresses if it is not possible to move people or vital equipment away	SSO
Keep fire fighting and first aid equipment ready	SSO
Follow instructions given from professionals ashore responding to the security incident	Master / SSO
Remember there may be more than one bomb or device	All crew
If the bomb is very large or next to extremely flammable cargo/oils or if its explosion may seriously threaten the watertight integrity of the ship, plan for evacuation	Master
If evacuating, then following principles to be borne in mind: At sea, as far as practicable, use the Lifeboats on the farther side of the location of explosive device In port, use the ship’s gangway for escape to the jetty if device is located in the accommodation block or forecastle space. If device is located in midship area, then escape using the lifeboat embarkation ladders or pilot ladders rigged at a suitable remote location on the ships side in the aft part of the vessel.	All crew

d) ACTUAL DETONATION OF AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE

The actual detonation of an explosive device could result in a variety of situations requiring prompt action from the ship staff. The Master should consider the following guidelines while responding to such a situation. The contingency response should take into account the ISM procedures for response to flooding, damage control and human injury, which could be a consequence of an explosion.

Immediate action	Responsibility
Sound emergency alarm and announce location of explosion as soon as known	OOW
At sea, activate the Ship Security Alert System. In port inform the PFSO / Port Authority	Master
Crew Muster on open deck well away from the location of the explosion	All crew
Activate fire fighting teams and fire fighting installations as required to tackle the situation	SSO
Assess the damage and its effect on the stability of the vessel	SSO
If there is imminent danger to the watertight integrity of the vessel and to the life of crew, plan for evacuation. Broadcast a distress message if at sea. In port, evacuate to the jetty and move clear of the ship to the area identified by shore responders	Master
If evacuation is not required, the establish and maintain contact with nearest Contracting Government or Port Authorities and the CSO	Master
Where damage can be controlled and vessel operations restored, this should be communicated to the shore authorities and CSO. Damage control measures should be applied to control the situation	Master
Cordon off the damaged area, if possible. If pieces of the explosive device or ordnance still remain on the ship do not disturb them as they may provide invaluable forensic evidence	Master / SSO