A hostage situation refers to the unlawful abduction or restraint of one or more individuals with the intent to restrict their freedom. These situations can be among the tensest episodes for a vessel which affects everybody on board at the time – crew, guests, visitors.
The captors are always terrorists, criminals or mentally disturbed people. Terrorists and criminals have a plan, have a purpose and they have selected the time and place carefully. In addition, they carry guns. Mentally disturbed are sometimes even worse cases. So whatever the case is, during a hostage situation the odds are not with the captives. Therefore it is of utmost importance that crews have relevant training and knowledge in order to preserve or even increase the odds of survival.
Knowing what to do during the initial and most critical stage of such a situation is fundamental for survival. Having an idea of what it would be like during the capture and what are the proper strategies and behavior towards the captors may make the difference between life and death.
How to avoid a mental or psychological breakdown during captivity is essential for survival. How not to be caught in the trap of Stockholm syndrome or how to recognize that fellow captives are affected by the syndrome is equally important in order not only to assist others but, most importantly, to be able to make it alive from such a life-threatening situation.
After the course is concluded the crew will be able to:
1. React correctly during the initial stage of capture
2. Follow certain strategies and behavior towards the captors
3. Avoid mental and psychological breakdown
4. Recognize the symptoms of Stockholm syndrome in themselves and others and avoid being trapped
5. React correctly during rescue or release
Tags: Security