Safety Guidelines for Sailing Through Known Pirate Waters

by | Monday, December 30, 2013 |

Piracy continues to represent a significant safety and financial risk for those working in the international maritime industry. The World Shipping Council reports there were 439 pirate attacks in 2011 and 45 merchant vessels hijacked.

The United States Coast Guard, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other maritime safety experts like Giles Noakes of BIMCO has issued best practices for captains and crew when traveling in high-risk waters.

When traveling through waters known for pirate activity, best practices include:

  • maintaining a brisk and steady speed;
  • establishing round-the-clock watches (ensure this protective element is visible to other vessels);
  • installing physical barriers to entry;
  • staying up-to-date on current piracy activity and territories; and
  • being aware of surroundings (be particularly wary of small craft traveling at a similar speed and traveling parallel to or behind your vessel).

The Coast Guard-issued Maritime Security Directive 104-6 (rev.2) requires all U.S. flagged vessels to establish an anti-piracy plan prior to entering high-risk waters.

Other requirements outlined in the Directive include:

  • adhering to established transit lanes;
  • using evasive and erratic maneuvering techniques;
  • traveling at high speeds; and
  • cooperating with military forces charged with patrolling and protecting high-risk territories.

Owners of U.S.-flagged vessels must submit security plans for approval to the Coast Guard. Each ship is responsible for remaining vigilant when traveling through dangerous waters.

What makes a vessel vulnerable to attack?

Giles Noakes, chief maritime security officer for BIMCO, has identified the following factors as making a vessel particularly vulnerable to attack:

  • traveling at low speeds;
  • being slow to identity and respond to potential threats;
  • low freeboard;
  • lack of safety plan and emergency protocol; and
  • projecting an image of being unprepared or not alert to potential attacks.

Vessels that fail to adhere to Coast Guard directives are most vulnerable to pirate attacks and hijacking.

High-Risk Zones: Areas Known for Piracy

The Somali coast is well known for pirate activity, with the U.S. Department of State associating the region with a “large-scale, hostage-ransom business model.”

However, the International Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Crime Services reports a decline in Somali pirate activity because of an increased military presence. The Somali region must still be considered a high-risk territory for maritime vessels, including commercial and leisure.

Other high-risk waters include:

  • Lagos/Nigeria – attacks have been reported as much as 170 nautical miles from the coast, with confirmed kidnappings and stolen cargo;
  • Cotonou/Benin – tankers have reported pirate attacks and hijacking, with instances of crew injuries;
  • Abidjan/Ivory Coast – reports indicate piracy has recently spread to this region, with threats to neighboring Ghana, as well;
  • Bangladesh – the greatest risk is present at Chittagong, particularly during approach and/or anchorage (Bangladesh authorities have stepped up security measures in efforts to reduce attacks); and
  • Indonesia – armed pirates have attacked vessels during the night with many attacks suspected to have gone unreported.

This is just a small sampling of some of the highest risk regions. Monitor the IMB PRC broadcasts via InMARSAT Safety Net Service to remain up-to-date on current activity.

Learn more about maritime best practices and regulations by visiting our blog. To place an order for vessel logbooks – including regulation and security logbooks – call (888) 468-3757 or place your order online.

This entry was posted in .