What is essential to do during a swimmer attack if personnel can do so safely?

During a swimmer attack, the primary goal is to protect the vessel and its personnel while mitigating any potential threat. Maning the Special Casualty Assistance Team (SCAT) or fire team and spraying with water serves a critical function in this context. By using water to create a barrier or deter the swimmers, personnel can help defend against an intrusion while also preventing injury or escalation of the situation.

This approach aligns with best practices for managing security threats in port, as the use of water can physically impede the attackers without escalating the situation further. Additionally, it allows for a tactical response that can buy time for further coordinated actions, such as calling for assistance or preparing for an evacuation if necessary.

Engaging all onboard systems, gathering evidence for investigation, and notifying nearby vessels are also important; however, they may not provide immediate protection during a swimmer attack. These actions could be part of the overall response plan but are secondary to actively preventing or disrupting the threat as effectively as possible. The priority in such high-stress scenarios is always to ensure the safety of personnel and the integrity of the vessel first.