1 of 1 MARCH 10, 2009 CIRCULAR NO. 08/09 TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION Dear Member: PIRACY IN THE GULF OF ADEN AND OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERRING PIRACY: EXPLANATION OF GROUP TRANSIT SYSTEM Two documents dealing with the above subject – the first of which is attached to this Circular – have recently been made available to your Managers through the International Group’s Maritime Security Sub-Committee. The first document, attached hereto, concerns best management practices to deter piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. It is also being made available by INTERTANKO and others through their respective websites. The second document, being an explanation of the system which governs the grouping and transit of vessels through the area, is being provided on a strictly need-to-know basis. It sets out the particulars of how the Group Transit System operates in practice in the Gulf of Aden. This document has been provided by the Maritime Security Center (Horn of Africa) – MSCHOA – with whom owners should register relevant vessels prior to arrival in the affected waters. The explanation will also be sent to owners by MSCHOA as part of their response to the submission of vessel movement registration forms. Owners will be asked by MSCHOA to send it to masters and crew of vessels transiting the area in order to reassure them and to help reinforce their understanding of why it is important to follow certain procedures to ensure their safety and protection from attack. The sharing of this document is, as mentioned above, on a strictly need-to-know basis and MSCHOA have advised that this should only take place within organizations which have an interest in safeguarding shipping in the Gulf of Aden region. This is to prevent it from reaching persons who may be tempted to distribute it to pirates or similar groups. Accordingly, it has not been attached to this Circular as such – and by extension deliberately not posted on the Club’s website – but can be made available to Members who wish to have a copy of it by application to the following email address: Elena.Zaccario@American-Club.com It is hoped that the documents described herein are clear, but if there is anything further required by way of explanation, your Managers will be happy to respond. Yours faithfully, Joseph E.M. Hughes, Chairman & CEO Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for THE AMERICAN CLUB Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Coast of Somalia (February 2009) In an effort to counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the Coast of Somalia, these best management practices are supported by the following international industry representatives:1. International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) 2. International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) 3. Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) 4. Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) 5. Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) 6. International Association of Dry Cargo Ship Owners (INTERCARGO) 7. International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs (IGP&I) 8. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 9. International Union of Marine Insurers (IUMI) 10. Joint War Committee (JWC) 11. International Maritime Bureau (IMB) 1 SUGGES TED PLANNING AND OPERATIONAL PRACTICES FOR OWNERS, OPERATORS, MANAGERS AND MASTERS OF SHIPS TRANSITING THE GULF OF ADEN AND OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA PURPOSE