Given the numerous concerns relating to piracy, a pan-industry alliance of ship owners, unions, managers, manning agents, insurers and welfare associations (maritime, labour, faith or secular) has come together to establish the Maritime Piracy: a Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP). The objectives of this programme address the three phases of "pre-, during and post-incident", with the aim of implementing a model of assisting seafarers and their families with the humanitarian aspects of a traumatic incident caused by a piracy attack, armed robbery or being taken hostage. Further information about MPHRP can be found on their website at: www.mphrp.org.
Programme partners include the International Group, IMO, NATO, Intertanko, BIMCO, ISF and others. Some industry organisations are also involved as funders and observers. A full list can be seen on the MPHRP website at: www.mphrp.org/partners.php
MPHRP has recently produced a Good Practice Guide for Shipping Companies and Manning Agents for the Humanitarian Support of Seafarers and their Families. The Guide can be found on the MPHRP website but is also available to view and download below.
