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Volume 114, Issue 2
Division 19
Marine Safety Article
"Hot Stuff”
While some people sometimes think they are "hot stuff," the "hot stuff" I wish to relate to
you is no joking matter. "HOT" is an acronym representing the three phrases: "Hidden?";
"Obviously Suspicious"; and "Typical." This is a protocol developed by our British
"cousins" to guide travellers by sea and air in assessing potentially dangerous terrorist
threats. The protocol was developed jointly by the British Transport Police and the
National Counter Terrorism Security Office or NaCTSO.
The "H" component asks if something appears to be concealed or hidden, the latter
supplying the "H." Citizens are informed that bombs are unlikely to be left in locations
such as this, i.e., where any unattended item will be noticed quickly. A question that
observant individuals must ask themselves would be: "Is the unattended item simply lost
or is it suspicious?" This leads to the next acronym component of "O" which is the
phrase, "Obviously suspicious?" Questions asked here would be: Does it have wires,
circuit boards, batteries, tape, or putty-like substances? Additionally, the observer asks
themselves if they think the item poses an immediate threat to life. Lastly comes "T". This
is the word "Typical." Is the item "typical" of what you would expect to find in this
location? Common sense plays a big factor here. British authorities advise that most lost
property is found in locations where people congregate.
If after applying the "H.O.T." protocol, and you believe the item to be suspicious, British
Transport Police and NaCTSO advise to call 999 which of course here, would be 911.
British counter-terrorism organizations exercise regularly to remain vigilant for terror
threats at inland ports and cargo facilities. The Thames River running through London is
often the site for these exercises combining the forces of New Scotland Yard (NSY), MI5
(roughly the equivalent of our F.B.I.), Special Boat Service, Port of London Authority,
Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI), London
Fire Brigade, and London Ambulance Service. Recently, an exercise took place involving a
simulated terrorist hostage-taking incident on a "City Cruises" boat. A detail of armed
officers boarded the vessel from fast police boats freeing the passengers from the "armed
gunmen".
"H.O.T." is definitely an easily-remembered acronym for a procedure/protocol which
might be of benefit as part of our AWW lexicon and strategy for dealing with suspicious
activity on or near the water.
Gregg Bollinger, ThD
ADSO-MS (W) D5 NR, Div. 19, Flotilla 19-04
Gregg Bollinger
Division Staff Officer
Marine Safety