Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP)

MPHRP’s first phase of development consists of five-outputs: (1) Development of “good practice” guides for use by shipping companies, manning agents and welfare associations to support both seafarers and their families through the three-phases of piracy incidents: (a) pre-departure; (b) the crisis; and (c) post-release/post-incident. (2) MPHRP has developed training modules for coping with the stages of piracy. (3) The establishment of an international network of trained first-responders with appropriate skills within partner and associated organizations. (4) MPHRP is developing a network of professionals who work with victims of piracy in the aftercare. (5) A 24-seafarer’s helpline in coordination with SeafarerHelp, a project of the International Seafarers Assistance Network (ISAN), which maintains a 24-hour helpline, staffed by individuals who speak 27-different languages collectively. 

MPHRP also now offers a series of pre-departure and awareness training courses and materials from shipping companies, manning agents, seafarers and welfare responders. There also exists a Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Fund that helps provide funding for families if a major breadwinner is held hostage by Somali pirates.