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Maritime Security Advisory on Piracy & Armed Robbery on Vessels
Applicable to:
Ship Owners, Ship Managers, Shipping Agents, RPSL Agents, Ship Masters, Seafarers, Charterers, Recognised Organisation & Recognised Security Organisation, Coastal Indian States including Administrations of Union territories and State Maritime Boards.
Effective Date:
2023-05-11
Superseded Circulars:
None
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Piracy and Armed Robbery Trends
The circular presents a trend analysis of piracy and armed robbery incidents from 2019 to 2023, highlighting hotspots and patterns in various regions.
- Hotspots: Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, Straits of Malacca & Singapore, Gulf of Guinea, South China Sea, Arabian Sea, South America, East Africa.
- Trends: Increased incidents in the Gulf of Guinea during the dry season, spike in incidents in the Straits of Malacca & Singapore, and a marked reduction in the South China Sea.
2. Regional Security Measures
Vessels transiting high-risk areas should follow these measures:
- Gulf of Aden: Follow BMP5 guidelines, report to UKMTO, and maintain situational awareness.
- Straits of Malacca & Singapore: Adopt recommended shipboard security measures, comply with reporting requirements, and refer to the IFC bridge card.
- Gulf of Guinea: Follow BMP-WA guidelines, adhere to voyage planning advice, and monitor MDAT-GoG outputs.
- South China Sea: Maintain vigilance and follow regional guidelines.
Maritime Security Charts - Vital details for safe navigation, including piracy risks, exclusion zones, and more. See DGS website for a non-exhaustive list.
Important Note
All CSOs and Masters are advised to be extra cautious, follow specified practices, and take necessary precautionary measures as detailed in the Directorates circular and relevant guidelines.
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