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Maritime Security Advisory 01 of 2018, for vessels calling the ports or transiting the Gulf of Guinea, on the account of increased piracy activity in this region - reg
**Summary of DGS Circular 1 of 2018 for Indian Seafarers**
Applicable to:
Ship Owners, Ship Managers, Shipping Agents, Ship Masters, Charterers, Ship Builders, Ship Breakers Association, Classification Societies, recognized by Director General of Shipping, Non-exclusive Survey companies, Insurance Companies, Coastal State including Administrations of Union territories/Islands and Maritime Boards.
Effective Date:
20.02.2018
Superseded Circulars:
None
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Increased Piracy Activity in Gulf of Guinea
Piracy and armed robbery incidents have increased in the Gulf of Guinea region, with ten kidnappings involving 65 crew members in 2017. Three tankers with Indian crew were targeted in February 2018, with two hijacked and one attacked.
- Areas of concern: Cotonou anchorage, Benin; Bonny, Nigeria; Debundsha, Cameroon; Brass, Nigeria.
- Threat: Armed robbery, cargo theft, kidnapping for ransom.
- Modus operandi: High-powered speedboats, often approaching vessels at anchor or drifting.
2. Recommendations and Requirements
All CSOs and Masters are advised to be extra cautious, maintain strict anti-piracy watch, and comply with the following guidelines:
- Monitor: Live piracy report of IMB PRC (https://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-report)
- Report to: MDAT-GoG (https://www.mdat-gog.org/), IMB PRC, and relevant coastal states.
- Comply with: Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for protection against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea region (https://www.bimco.org/en/publications-and-resources/best-management-practices/bmp-4), and BMP4.
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