The BMP4 encourages vessels to register their voyages through the region with MSCHOA, as this registration is a key component of the operation of the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC, the navy-patrolled route through the Gulf of Aden). The BMP4 contains a chapter entitled "Self-Protective Measures" which lays out a list of steps a merchant vessel can take to make itself less of a target to pirates, and make it better able to repel an attack if one occurs. This list includes rigging the deck of the ship with razor wire, rigging fire-hoses to spray sea-water over the side of the ship to hinder boardings, having a distinctive pirate alarm, hardening the bridge against gunfire and creating a "citadel" where the crew can retreat if pirates get on board. Other unofficial self-defense measures that can be found on merchant vessels include the setting up of mannequins posing as armed guards or firing flares at the pirates.
the bmp4 encourages vessels to register their voyages through the region with mschoa as this registration is a key component of the operation of the international recommended transit corridor (irtc the navy-patrolled route through the gulf of aden) the bmp4 contains a chapter entitled "self-protective measures" which lays out a list of steps a merchant vessel can take to make itself less of a target to pirates and make it better able to repel an attack if one occurs this list includes rigging the deck of the ship with razor wire rigging fire-hoses to spray sea-water over the side of the ship to hinder boardings having a distinctive pirate alarm hardening the bridge against gunfire and creating a "citadel" where the crew can retreat if pirates get on board other unofficial self-defense measures that can be found on merchant vessels include the setting up of mannequins posing as armed guards or firing flares at the pirates