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The Civil-Military Fusion Centre (CFC) is an information and knowledge management organisation focused on improving civil-
military interaction, facilitating information sharing and enhancing situational awareness through theCimicWebportal and our
weekly and monthly publications. CFC products are based upon and link to open-source information from a wide variety of
organisations, research centres and media sources. However, the CFC does not endorse and cannot necessarily guarantee the
accuracy or objectivity of these sources. CFC publications are independently produced by Knowledge Managers and donot reflect NATO policies or positions of any other organisation.
________________________________________
This report discusses global maritime piracy, looking at key regions such as the Americas, the Gulf of Aden andIndian Ocean, West Africa and South-East Asia, addressing the broader context of piracy as well as differencesidentified among piracy prone regions. Related information is available atwww.cimicweb.org. Hyperlinks to sourcematerial are highlighted in blue and underlined in the text.
________________________________________
Seaborne trade has allowed worldwide import and
export of goods at a high volume for centuries. It has
grown steadily over the years and, currently,
approximately90% of world trade is conducted by sea.
Maritime shipping is key to the global economy,
providing for the bulk transport of raw materials as well
as the import and export of affordable food and
manufactured goods. The threat of maritime piracy is a
long-standing challenge for governments and the
transportation industry. Piracy continues to pose a
danger not only to shipping companies and shipowners
but also to the nearly 1.4 million seafarers worldwide.
While acts of piracy around the globe share
commonalities, regional acts take on specific traits. This
paper will explore maritime piracy as it occurs inpiracy-
prone areas, including four regions, as defined by the
International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting
Centre (PRC): Southeast Asia and Indian sub-continent,
Africa and Red Sea, South America, Central America
and the Caribbean and Rest of the world.
In 2010 the IMB PRC reported 445 attacks1
and 53
hijackings worldwide for 2010. In 2010, the PRC also
reported 1,181 hostages worldwide taken by pirates, thehighest number since 1991, when IMB began keeping
records. Once captured, crewmembers often endure
physical and psychological abuse by their captors. In 2011, IMB confirmed that 439 attacks took place and 45
1Definition of attack: an incident where weapons are discharged by pirates or paraphernalia makes contact with vessel
April 2012omprehensive Information on Complex CrisesBritta Rinehard
Desk Officer
Horn of Africa
International Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery
C I V I L - M I L I T A R Y F U S I O N C E N T R E
M E D I T E R R A N E A N B A S I N T E A M P R E S E N T S
https://www.cimicweb.org/Pages/cimicwebWelcome.aspxhttps://www.cimicweb.org/Pages/cimicwebWelcome.aspxhttps://www.cimicweb.org/Pages/cimicwebWelcome.aspxhttp://www.cimicweb.org/http://www.cimicweb.org/http://www.marisec.org/shippingfacts/worldtrade/index.phphttp://www.marisec.org/shippingfacts/worldtrade/index.phphttp://www.marisec.org/shippingfacts/worldtrade/index.phphttp://www.marisec.org/shippingfacts/worldtrade/index.phphttp://www.marisec.org/shippingfacts/worldtrade/index.phphttp://www.marisec.org/Manpower%20Study.pdfhttp://www.marisec.org/Manpower%20Study.pdfhttp://www.marisec.org/Manpower%20Study.pdfhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/home/imbhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/home/imbhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/home/imbhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/imb-live-piracy-maphttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/imb-live-piracy-maphttp://www.simsl.com/Downloads/Piracy/IMBPiracyReport2010.pdfhttp://www.simsl.com/Downloads/Piracy/IMBPiracyReport2010.pdfhttp://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/01/18/pirates_take_record_1181_hostages_in_2010/http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/01/18/pirates_take_record_1181_hostages_in_2010/http://www.intermanager.org/2011/06/study-highlights-piracy-victims%E2%80%99-hidden-suffering/http://www.intermanager.org/2011/06/study-highlights-piracy-victims%E2%80%99-hidden-suffering/http://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/Definitions.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/Definitions.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/Definitions.aspxmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/Definitions.aspxhttp://www.intermanager.org/2011/06/study-highlights-piracy-victims%E2%80%99-hidden-suffering/http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/01/18/pirates_take_record_1181_hostages_in_2010/http://www.simsl.com/Downloads/Piracy/IMBPiracyReport2010.pdfhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/imb-live-piracy-maphttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/home/imbhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.marisec.org/Manpower%20Study.pdfhttp://www.marisec.org/shippingfacts/worldtrade/index.phphttp://www.marisec.org/shippingfacts/worldtrade/index.phphttp://www.cimicweb.org/https://www.cimicweb.org/Pages/cimicwebWelcome.aspx -
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International Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery
vessels were hijacked, down a mere 1.4% and 15% respectively. IMBsLive Piracy Map 2011, pictured above,
shows the incident locations.
Piracy Defined2
In an attempt to find a universal understanding of the term piracy, the United Nations included its definition in
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on 10 December 1982.Part VII Article 101states that piracy consists of any of the following acts:
a) any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the crewor the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed;
i) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship oraircraft;
ii) against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any state;b) any act of voluntary participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of facts
making it a pirate ship or aircraft;
c) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b).In their 2009 annual report, IMB defined piracy and armed robbery for statistical purposes as, an act of boardingor attempting to board any ship with the apparent intent to commit theft of any other crime and with the apparent
intent or capability to use force in the furtherance of that act.3
This is much broader than the UNCLOS definition,
since it includes attacks at high sea as well as within territorial waters4.
Armed RobberyThe International Maritime Organization (IMO) saw a need to define armed robbery, since many of these acts
occurred within the jurisdiction of a state. UNCLOSs piracy description prevented law enforcement to take
action within territorial waters. Pirates would hijack vessels in international waters and sail them into the
territorial seas.
IMOs MSC.1, Circular 1334, Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships, from 23 June 2009 defines armed
robbery as follows:
Armed robbery against ships means any unlawful act of violence or detention or any act of depredation,
or threat thereof, other than an act of piracy, committed for private ends and directed against a ship oragainst persons or property on board such a ship, within
a States internal waters, archipelagic waters and
territorial sea.5
The South East Asia and Indian Sub-continentSea piracy in South East Asia and the Indian Sub-continent has
existed for centuries but became a more prominent issue in the1990s.According to an article in the Asia-Pacific Journal, tworeasons contributed to the rise, theAsian financial crisis in 1997
and increased reporting of piracy attacks.
The Malacca Strait is one of theworlds busiest shipping lanes,
connecting the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea and thePacific Ocean. This area was once theglobal hot spotfor piracy
but with the increase of piracy off the coast of Somalia, the Strait
no longer holds that designation. The Malacca Strait is550miles
2 Modern definition of piracy3 ICC International Maritime Bureau Piracy and Armed Robbery Against ShipsAnnual Report01 January31 December 20094 Definition of territorial sea can be found inUNCLOS Part II article 25 Also defined in IMOMSC.1/Circ. 1333, Recommendations to Governments for preventing and suppressing piracy and armedrobbery against ships.
http://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/imb-live-piracy-map/imb-live-piracy-maphttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/imb-live-piracy-map/imb-live-piracy-maphttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/imb-live-piracy-map/imb-live-piracy-maphttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_overview_convention.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_overview_convention.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_overview_convention.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htmhttp://research.ridgway.pitt.edu/piracy/2010/09/28/somali-pirates-the-anatomy-of-attacks/http://research.ridgway.pitt.edu/piracy/2010/09/28/somali-pirates-the-anatomy-of-attacks/https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/International%20Community%20Response/MSC1Circ1334.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/International%20Community%20Response/MSC1Circ1334.pdfhttp://japanfocus.org/-David-Rosenberg/1773http://japanfocus.org/-David-Rosenberg/1773http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8549053.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8549053.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8549053.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8549053.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8549053.stmhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/news/969-as-world-piracy-hits-a-new-high-more-ships-are-escaping-somali-pirates-says-imb-rhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/news/969-as-world-piracy-hits-a-new-high-more-ships-are-escaping-somali-pirates-says-imb-rhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/news/969-as-world-piracy-hits-a-new-high-more-ships-are-escaping-somali-pirates-says-imb-rhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text.htmlhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text.htmlhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text.htmlhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text.htmlhttp://iu-themis.googlecode.com/files/2009%20q2%20imb%20piracy%20report.pdfhttp://iu-themis.googlecode.com/files/2009%20q2%20imb%20piracy%20report.pdfhttp://iu-themis.googlecode.com/files/2009%20q2%20imb%20piracy%20report.pdfhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htmhttp://www.imo.org/OurWork/Security/SecDocs/Documents/Piracy/MSC.1-Circ.1333.pdfhttp://www.imo.org/OurWork/Security/SecDocs/Documents/Piracy/MSC.1-Circ.1333.pdfhttp://www.imo.org/OurWork/Security/SecDocs/Documents/Piracy/MSC.1-Circ.1333.pdfhttp://www.indiatalkies.com/2011/04/drastic-drop-piracy-malacca-straits.htmlhttp://www.imo.org/OurWork/Security/SecDocs/Documents/Piracy/MSC.1-Circ.1333.pdfhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htmhttp://iu-themis.googlecode.com/files/2009%20q2%20imb%20piracy%20report.pdfhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text.htmlhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/news/969-as-world-piracy-hits-a-new-high-more-ships-are-escaping-somali-pirates-says-imb-rhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8549053.stmhttp://japanfocus.org/-David-Rosenberg/1773https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/International%20Community%20Response/MSC1Circ1334.pdfhttp://research.ridgway.pitt.edu/piracy/2010/09/28/somali-pirates-the-anatomy-of-attacks/http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/closindx.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_overview_convention.htmhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/imb-live-piracy-map/imb-live-piracy-map -
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(885 km) long, and reaches a width of 250 miles (400 km) in the north and ten miles in the south; however, the
Straits width at the narrowest point is1.7 miles (2.7 km) and is one of the worlds seven transit chokepoints.
About70,000 merchant vesselsandone-third of the worlds crude oilpass through the Strait annually. According
toNational Geographic, there are three types of piracy issues in the Straits, including: gangs that board vessels to
rob the crews, multinational syndicates that steal entire ships, and guerrilla groups that kidnap seamen for
ransom. In the past, security alerts have been issued, warning of possible attacks on vessels byterrorist groups.Left largely unaddressed, by 2005, pirate attacks in the Malacca Strait accounted for 40% of global incidents
alone. In mid-2005, the Malacca Strait was added to the Hull, War, Strikes, Terrorism and Related Perils list by
the Joint War Committee (JWC), a group of transportation insurance underwriters.
International Efforts
In an attempt to effectively address and coordinate counter-piracy efforts, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on
Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) was created in 2004 and as of December
2011, comprises 17 member states. It is the first regional government-to-government agreement to address
maritime piracy. In addition to promoting and enhancing cooperation amongst the member states to counter-piracy
and armed robbery in Asia, it also provides a forum to share vital information amongst the partners in regards to
these issues.
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore created the Malacca Strait Sea Patrol (MSSP) in 2004, a trilateral, coordinated
patrol effort to increase security in the area. In July 2005, regional patrols wereheavily increasedand resulted in a
decrease of incidents, causing the JWC to remove the Malacca Strait from the list in August of 2006. While
regional cooperation amongst the littoral states has been credited with the decrease in attacks, warnings from the
PRC about possible pirate attacks prevail. Littoral states to the Malacca Strait launched other initiatives to enhance
the security in the region, such as the Eyes-in-the-Sky (EiS) and MSP Intelligence Exchange Group (IEG).
Indonesia,Malaysia and Singapore continue to perform patrols to improve the security situation in the Malacca
Strait. In addition, other states such as Australia, India, Japan, the United States and China haveoffered military
assistance. On-going initiatives include Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) Asia-Pacific Region conferences. In 2011,
the conference was attended by senior officers from the navies and coast guardsof more than 20differentnations,
focusing on an all-rounded perspective on regional security threats, acquisition, upgrade and capabilities of
OPVs. The2nd Annual OPV Asia-Pacific conferencetook place in March 2012 in Singapore.
Current Response
ReCAAPs 2011 Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asiareport, informed that 155 incidents, 133 actual
and 22 attempted, had been reported, which translates to a decrease of seven percent compared to 2010 (see Annex
A). Most incidents involved petty theft committed while ships were at anchor/berth without badly injuring
anybody. In 2011, five hijackings and one kidnapping occurred in the Straits, according to ReCAAP. All five
hijacked vessels werelater recoveredand the crewmembers, as well as the kidnapping victim, were rescued; mostof the attackers were apprehended.The PRCs current Piracy and Armed Robbery Prone Areas and Warnings for
South East Asia and Indian Sub-Continent include Bangladesh6, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South China Sea and
Vietnam.7In these areas, attacks typically occur during the night, while ships prepare to anchor, or while they are
at anchor. In Indonesia, attackers use guns, knives or machetes and oftenrob valuablesfrom the vessel as well as
from the crewmembers. ReCAAP has developed three categories to assign the level of significance of actual
incidents. Category 1 (very significant), category 2 (moderately significant) and category 3 (less significant), (seeAnnex B). The incidents are evaluated based on two factors: level of violence and the economic loss incurred.
6 After a protest letter was sent to IMB, Bangladeshwas removedfrom the list of high risk piracy prone areas7 Accessed as of 12/29/2011
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text.htmlhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text.htmlhttp://in.reuters.com/article/2010/03/04/idINIndia-46652220100304http://in.reuters.com/article/2010/03/04/idINIndia-46652220100304http://in.reuters.com/article/2010/03/04/idINIndia-46652220100304http://www.eia.gov/cabs/world_oil_transit_chokepoints/Full.htmlhttp://www.eia.gov/cabs/world_oil_transit_chokepoints/Full.htmlhttp://www.eia.gov/cabs/world_oil_transit_chokepoints/Full.htmlhttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text/2http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text/2http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text/2http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/03/05/Singapore-alerts-ships-to-piracy-threat/UPI-30801267793220/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/03/05/Singapore-alerts-ships-to-piracy-threat/UPI-30801267793220/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/03/05/Singapore-alerts-ships-to-piracy-threat/UPI-30801267793220/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/03/05/Singapore-alerts-ships-to-piracy-threat/UPI-30801267793220/http://development.asia/issue03/cover-05.asphttp://development.asia/issue03/cover-05.asphttp://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/2007-09-13international-cooperation-agreement-onhttp://www.maritime-executive.com/article/2007-09-13international-cooperation-agreement-onhttp://www.maritime-executive.com/article/2007-09-13international-cooperation-agreement-onhttp://www.lmalloyds.com/lma/Web/market_places/marine/JWC/Joint_War.aspxhttp://www.lmalloyds.com/lma/Web/market_places/marine/JWC/Joint_War.aspxhttp://www.lmalloyds.com/lma/Web/market_places/marine/JWC/Joint_War.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/Home.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/Home.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/Home.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/AboutReCAAPISC.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/AboutReCAAPISC.aspxhttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/mar/28mar08_nr/28mar08_fs.htmlhttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/mar/28mar08_nr/28mar08_fs.htmlhttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/mar/28mar08_nr/28mar08_fs.htmlhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2006/08/09/71308.htmhttp://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2006/08/09/71308.htmhttp://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2006/08/09/71308.htmhttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/sep/13sep05_nr.htmlhttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/sep/13sep05_nr.htmlhttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/sep/13sep05_nr.htmlhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/consultative_process/documents/9_oegroseno_presentation.pdfhttp://www.un.org/Depts/los/consultative_process/documents/9_oegroseno_presentation.pdfhttp://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637436http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637436http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637436http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637430http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637430http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637430http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637430http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637430http://www.recaap.org/AlertsReports/IncidentReports.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=239http://www.recaap.org/AlertsReports/IncidentReports.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=239http://www.recaap.org/AlertsReports/IncidentReports.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=239http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/News.aspx?ElementID=5df39fb9-3d41-4cae-a0b6-1f8a29b27e88http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/News.aspx?ElementID=5df39fb9-3d41-4cae-a0b6-1f8a29b27e88http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/News.aspx?ElementID=5df39fb9-3d41-4cae-a0b6-1f8a29b27e88http://www.deccanherald.com/content/93465/surge-pirate-attacks-south-china.htmlhttp://www.deccanherald.com/content/93465/surge-pirate-attacks-south-china.htmlhttp://www.deccanherald.com/content/93465/surge-pirate-attacks-south-china.htmlhttp://www.recaap.org/AlertsReports/IncidentReports.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=239http://www.recaap.org/AlertsReports/IncidentReports.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=239http://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/piracy-2/imb-says-bangladesh-no-longer-a-high-risk-piracy-area/http://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/piracy-2/imb-says-bangladesh-no-longer-a-high-risk-piracy-area/http://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/piracy-2/imb-says-bangladesh-no-longer-a-high-risk-piracy-area/http://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/piracy-2/imb-says-bangladesh-no-longer-a-high-risk-piracy-area/http://www.recaap.org/AlertsReports/IncidentReports.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=239http://www.deccanherald.com/content/93465/surge-pirate-attacks-south-china.htmlhttp://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/News.aspx?ElementID=5df39fb9-3d41-4cae-a0b6-1f8a29b27e88http://www.recaap.org/AlertsReports/IncidentReports.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=239http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637430http://www.offshorepatrolasia.com/Event.aspx?id=637436http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://www.un.org/Depts/los/consultative_process/documents/9_oegroseno_presentation.pdfhttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/sep/13sep05_nr.htmlhttp://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2006/08/09/71308.htmhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/mar/28mar08_nr/28mar08_fs.htmlhttp://www.recaap.org/AboutReCAAPISC.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/Home.aspxhttp://www.lmalloyds.com/lma/Web/market_places/marine/JWC/Joint_War.aspxhttp://www.maritime-executive.com/article/2007-09-13international-cooperation-agreement-onhttp://www.maritime-executive.com/article/2007-09-13international-cooperation-agreement-onhttp://blogs.reuters.com/global/2010/03/07/balancing-powers-in-the-malacca-strait/http://development.asia/issue03/cover-05.asphttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/03/05/Singapore-alerts-ships-to-piracy-threat/UPI-30801267793220/http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text/2http://www.eia.gov/cabs/world_oil_transit_chokepoints/Full.htmlhttp://in.reuters.com/article/2010/03/04/idINIndia-46652220100304http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/malacca-strait-pirates/pirates-text.html 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West AfricaThe IMB includes Benin and Nigeria in their list of pirate-prone areas.
Pirates in the West Africa region are often very violent. Increased
reporting by the media of incidents has drawn more attention to the
piracy issue in Gulf of Guinea (GoG). In 2011, 64 shipswere attacked,
compared to 45 in 2010. In the first two months of 2012,13 vesselswere reportedly attacked. The sharp increase led the JWC to add
Beninto the Hull War, Strikes, Terrorism and Related Perils list in
August of 2011.
While the hijackings of vessels and crew have been followed by
ransom demands, the majority of incidents on the West coast involve
the robbery of the cargo. Pirates in the GoG predominately target
tankers tosyphon the cargo. The tankers are sometimes held up to two
weeks while thecargo is transferredto smaller vessels and then resold
in Nigeria or nearby Benin. Nigeria is Africas largest oil producer
with over 2 million barrels a day.
As an example of pirate tactics, Lloyds List reported anincidentinvolving the reefer Breiz Klipper off the coast
of Nigeria. On 28 February 2012, eight armed pirates hijacked the vessel and its 14 crewmembers. According toLloyds List, for thefirst timein the region, pirates took two crewmembers hostage, the master and chief engineer.
On 24 March, after 25 days in captivity, the two hostages were released. According to an inspector at the
International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Pyotr Osichansky, they are ok and feeling fine. The
Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND8), a militant group in the Niger Delta, was involved in
the attack.
Current response
In response to the growing threat of piracy in the GoG, countries in the region have started to seek bi-lateral and
regional cooperation. In September 2011, Nigeria and Benin began joint naval patrols after an unprecedented
number of attacks in the region threatened to impact their economies. West African officials urged the United
Nations (UN), as well as the international community, to prevent the regions coastfrom becoming a havenforpirates. The West African Maritime Security conference, held in London in August 2011, was attended by
government officials of West African countries, and participants discussed a plan for a regional counter-piracyforce.
The UN has encouragedregional endeavoursto develop a comprehensive approach dealing with the piracy issue
in the GoG. Understanding the seriousness of the threat, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent an assessment
team into the area to evaluate the situation. The assessment team found that pirates were resorting tosophisticated modes of operations and utilizing heavy weapons. Prompted by growing concerns, the UN Security
Council adoptedResolution 2039on 29 February 2012. This resolution calls for a regional summit to be organised
by UN offices in West and Central Africa, to facilitate a regional comprehensive approach to the maritime piracyissue.
Benin hosted amaritime securitymeeting from 27-29 March 2012. The meeting was attended by representatives
from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC)and focused on maritime security in West andCentral Africa. Outcomes of the meeting are not yet available but it is anticipated that a clearer picture of their
collaborative strategies and initiatives in the GoG will emerge.
8Janes articleand explanation of MEND
http://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-08/west-african-oil-tanker-hijackings-double-as-pirates-lured-by-ship-cargoes.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-08/west-african-oil-tanker-hijackings-double-as-pirates-lured-by-ship-cargoes.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-08/west-african-oil-tanker-hijackings-double-as-pirates-lured-by-ship-cargoes.htmlhttp://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/03/23/Troubled-Nigerias-oil-output-under-threat/UPI-82631332527092/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/03/23/Troubled-Nigerias-oil-output-under-threat/UPI-82631332527092/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/03/23/Troubled-Nigerias-oil-output-under-threat/UPI-82631332527092/http://www.lmalloyds.com/Web/Market_Places/marine/JWC/Joint_War.aspxhttp://www.lmalloyds.com/Web/Market_Places/marine/JWC/Joint_War.aspxhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15576373http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15576373http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15576373http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/03/23/Troubled-Nigerias-oil-output-under-threat/UPI-82631332527092/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/03/23/Troubled-Nigerias-oil-output-under-threat/UPI-82631332527092/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/03/23/Troubled-Nigerias-oil-output-under-threat/UPI-82631332527092/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-26/nigeria-to-increase-crude-oil-exports-for-may-to-10-month-high.htmlhttp://www.intermanager.org/2012/03/nigerian-pirates-take-hostages-from-vessel-for-first-time/http://www.intermanager.org/2012/03/nigerian-pirates-take-hostages-from-vessel-for-first-time/http://www.intermanager.org/2012/03/nigerian-pirates-take-hostages-from-vessel-for-first-time/http://www.marinelink.com/news/hostages-pirates-nigeria342778.aspxhttp://www.marinelink.com/news/hostages-pirates-nigeria342778.aspxhttp://www.marinelink.com/news/hostages-pirates-nigeria342778.aspxhttp://en.rian.ru/russia/20120324/172362128.htmlhttp://en.rian.ru/russia/20120324/172362128.htmlhttp://mendnigerdelta.com/http://mendnigerdelta.com/http://mendnigerdelta.com/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/03/23/Troubled-Nigerias-oil-output-under-threat/UPI-82631332527092/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/03/23/Troubled-Nigerias-oil-output-under-threat/UPI-82631332527092/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15085313http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15085313http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15085313http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39784&Cr=piracy&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39784&Cr=piracy&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39784&Cr=piracy&Cr1=http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E7JO2M920110824?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E7JO2M920110824?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E7JO2M920110824?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E7JO2M920110824?sp=truehttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40261&Cr=piracy&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40261&Cr=piracy&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40261&Cr=piracy&Cr1=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40352&Cr=Gulf&Cr1=Guineahttp://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40352&Cr=Gulf&Cr1=Guineahttp://www.newkerala.com/news/2011/worldnews-164963.htmlhttp://www.newkerala.com/news/2011/worldnews-164963.htmlhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10562.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10562.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2012/sc10562.doc.htmhttp://africom.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/maritime-security-africa/http://africom.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/maritime-security-africa/http://africom.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/maritime-security-africa/http://www.ceeac-eccas.org/http://www.ceeac-eccas.org/http://www.ceeac-eccas.org/http://ecowas.int/http://ecowas.int/http://ecowas.int/http://shippingposition.com/article/usa-meets-nigeria-others-benin-republic-piracyhttp://shippingposition.com/article/usa-meets-nigeria-others-benin-republic-piracyhttp://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-World-Insurgency-and-Terrorism/Movement-for-the-Emancipation-of-the-Niger-Delta-MEND-Nigeria.htmlhttp://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-World-Insurgency-and-Terrorism/Movement-for-the-Emancipation-of-the-Niger-Delta-MEND-Nigeria.htmlhttp://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-World-Insurgency-and-Terrorism/Movement-for-the-Emancipation-of-the-Niger-Delta-MEND-Nigeria.htmlhttp://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-World-Insurgency-and-Terrorism/Movement-for-the-Emancipation-of-the-Niger-Delta-MEND-Nigeria.htmlhttp://shippingposition.com/article/usa-meets-nigeria-others-benin-republic-piracyhttp://ecowas.int/http://www.ceeac-eccas.org/http://africom.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/maritime-security-africa/http://www.un.org/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International Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery
Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and SomaliaAttacks and hijackings in Somali pirate-prone areas
reached record levels in 2011, drawing the most
international attention and news coverage to the region
since 2008. The Gulf of Aden (GoA) is abusy transit
route; with an estimated 22,000 vessels passing througheach year. Even before the collapse of the Siad Barre
regime in 1991, ships off the coast of Somalia were
seized by pirates; however, attacks at the time were
politically motivated. The Somali National Movement
(SNM) seized several ships to deny supplies to the
regime. Today, Somali pirates are less political and
moreopportunistand prey onany vulnerablevessel or
yacht that comes their way. Crewmembers are in
particular danger because Somali pirates attempt to take
hostages for exorbitant ransom payments, which often
yields more profit than the value of the ship or its cargo.
Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa, approximately1,880 miles (3025 km). Somali piratesattacked 237vessels in 2011, receiving an estimated USD 160 million in ransom. The number of hostages and vessels held
reached a peak in February 2011, when the International Maritime Bureaus (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre
(PRC) reported33 vessels and 733 hostagesas being held by Somali pirates. As of 19 March 2012, PRC reported
13 vesselsand 197 hostages. The Oceans Beyond Piracys (OBP) report,Human Cost of Somali Piracy, sheds
light on theinhumane treatmentof hostages at the hands of their captures. Malnutrition, lack of medical attention,
beatings and tortureareprevailing conditionsand only made more public in recent timessince more attentionis
being focused on the fate of these seafarers. Pirates continue toexploit this furtherby using various media sourcesto put pressure on the shipowners to meet their ransom demands quicker.
Despite 86 % the drop in Somali piracy attacks inNovember 2011compared to the previous year, the region off
the coast of Somalia, extending well into the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, remains a high risk area. The pirates
have increased their area of operation from within its territorial waters to 1,750 nautical miles (nm) off the coast of
Somalia. The pirates have also expanded into the Red Sea. Pirates use small skiffs to attack vessels and usemotherships to be able to extend their reach into the ocean by using them as a base to launch their attacks.
According to the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC), Somali pirates prefer certain types of ships and use them asmotherships, depending on the region. In the Arabian Sea and northern Somali Basin pirates prefer to use dhows
9,
while in the southern Somali Basin they prefer to use 8-metre whalers. In addition to the use of overwhelming
force of violence, pirate tactics include,speed, surpriseand stealth, and thechoice of weaponsused for attacks
include AK-47s and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs). Pirates often rely on the weather, since the monsoon
seasons can cause harsher conditions, making a successful boarding less likely. This has caused the pirates tofocus and target vessels in calmer watersparticularly in the southern Red Sea. Thesuccess rateof hijacking a
vessel at sea has decreased. In order to maintain their level of income, the pirates expanded to attack ships in
anchorageand in 2011, alsoabducted several touristsin Kenya. The hostages and vessels are often taken back tothe Somali coastal towns,awaiting the paymentof the ransom. The high number of hostages detained created a
tremendous logistical endeavour for the pirates since water and food has to be provided to keep the hostages alive
and in order to receive the ransom payment. In an attempt to shorten the time in captivity and to expedite payment,
a group of pirates cut their ransomdemands by 20% in March 2011. The ransom demandshave also increased
from an average of USD 150,000 before 2005 toUSD 5 millionin 2011.Pirate attacks in the GoA have decreasedin 2012, and if the trend continues, insurance costs are expectedto droplater this year.
Current Response
Regional and international government, military and shipowners have taken a more proactive approach in the
recent years in efforts to counter piracy off the coast of Somalia with a focus on security, judicial and preventativemeasures. Various international naval forces are currently conducting counter-piracy missions, including
9Arab sailing vesselof about 150-200 tonnes, one mast with large lateen sail.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/11/08/Somali-pirate-attacks-hit-record-level/UPI-41821320782638/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/11/08/Somali-pirate-attacks-hit-record-level/UPI-41821320782638/http://www.marinelink.com/news/changing-piracy-face341232.aspxhttp://www.marinelink.com/news/changing-piracy-face341232.aspxhttp://www.marinelink.com/news/changing-piracy-face341232.aspxhttp://www.marinelink.com/news/changing-piracy-face341232.aspxhttp://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/docs/ASAM-1989.htmhttp://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/docs/ASAM-1989.htmhttp://www.iccwbo.com/index.html?id=34473http://www.iccwbo.com/index.html?id=34473http://www.iccwbo.com/index.html?id=34473https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/201112_Journal_MurphyLO_RES.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/201112_Journal_MurphyLO_RES.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/201112_Journal_MurphyLO_RES.pdfhttp://www.forbes.com/2009/04/13/piracy-logistics-shipping-business-logistics-piracy_slide_2.htmlhttp://www.forbes.com/2009/04/13/piracy-logistics-shipping-business-logistics-piracy_slide_2.htmlhttp://www.forbes.com/2009/04/13/piracy-logistics-shipping-business-logistics-piracy_slide_2.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-05/somali-pirate-hijackings-increase-to-15-month-high-ake-says.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-05/somali-pirate-hijackings-increase-to-15-month-high-ake-says.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-05/somali-pirate-hijackings-increase-to-15-month-high-ake-says.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-05/somali-pirate-hijackings-increase-to-15-month-high-ake-says.htmlhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/home/imbhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/home/imbhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/home/imbhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centrehttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centrehttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centrehttp://www.mb.com.ph/node/346391/imo-makehttp://www.mb.com.ph/node/346391/imo-makehttp://www.mb.com.ph/node/346391/imo-makehttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/piracynewsafigureshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/piracynewsafigureshttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/http://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/http://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/http://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/human_cost_of_somali_piracy.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/human_cost_of_somali_piracy.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/human_cost_of_somali_piracy.pdfhttp://gcaptain.com/somali-pirates-release-tanker/?36853http://gcaptain.com/somali-pirates-release-tanker/?36853http://gcaptain.com/somali-pirates-release-tanker/?36853http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9L44TR80.htmhttp://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9L44TR80.htmhttp://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9L44TR80.htmhttp://www.saveourseafarers.com/http://www.saveourseafarers.com/http://www.saveourseafarers.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypkgtL6QGy8&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypkgtL6QGy8&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypkgtL6QGy8&feature=relatedhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/WeeklyUpdate/WeeklyAssessment_24Nov_30Nov.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/WeeklyUpdate/WeeklyAssessment_24Nov_30Nov.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/WeeklyUpdate/WeeklyAssessment_24Nov_30Nov.pdfhttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nautical%20milehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nautical%20milehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nautical%20milehttp://www.icc-ccs.org/news/424-pirates-intensify-attacks-in-new-areas-with-first-somali-hijacking-reported-in-red-seahttp://www.icc-ccs.org/news/424-pirates-intensify-attacks-in-new-areas-with-first-somali-hijacking-reported-in-red-seahttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/Somali_Piracy_Trifold_30NOV2010.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/Somali_Piracy_Trifold_30NOV2010.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/Definitions.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/Definitions.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/WeeklyUpdate/WeeklyAssessment_30Nov_7Dec2011.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/WeeklyUpdate/WeeklyAssessment_30Nov_7Dec2011.pdfhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/09/pirates-threaten-global-commerce/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/09/pirates-threaten-global-commerce/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/09/pirates-threaten-global-commerce/http://www.marad.dot.gov/news_room_landing_page/horn_of_africa_piracy/horn_of_africa_piracy.htmhttp://www.marad.dot.gov/news_room_landing_page/horn_of_africa_piracy/horn_of_africa_piracy.htmhttp://www.marad.dot.gov/news_room_landing_page/horn_of_africa_piracy/horn_of_africa_piracy.htmhttp://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat_training/world_wind_regimes/GulfOfAden/sw_monsoon_lljet/index.htmlhttp://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat_training/world_wind_regimes/GulfOfAden/sw_monsoon_lljet/index.htmlhttp://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat_training/world_wind_regimes/GulfOfAden/sw_monsoon_lljet/index.htmlhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/18/somali-raiders-cause-increase-in-global-piracy/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/18/somali-raiders-cause-increase-in-global-piracy/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/18/somali-raiders-cause-increase-in-global-piracy/http://arabnews.com/world/article491259.ecehttp://arabnews.com/world/article491259.ecehttp://arabnews.com/world/article491259.ecehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15238831http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15238831http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15238831http://www.nation.co.ke/News/regional/Somali+pirates+paid+Sh1+bn+in+one+year/-/1070/1295704/-/3qqpd0z/-/index.htmlhttp://www.nation.co.ke/News/regional/Somali+pirates+paid+Sh1+bn+in+one+year/-/1070/1295704/-/3qqpd0z/-/index.htmlhttp://www.nation.co.ke/News/regional/Somali+pirates+paid+Sh1+bn+in+one+year/-/1070/1295704/-/3qqpd0z/-/index.htmlhttp://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/act-now-pirates-offer-discounts-on-select-ransoms/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/act-now-pirates-offer-discounts-on-select-ransoms/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/act-now-pirates-offer-discounts-on-select-ransoms/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/01/19/Pirates-hoist-ransoms-for-hijacked-ships/UPI-96711295459904/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/01/19/Pirates-hoist-ransoms-for-hijacked-ships/UPI-96711295459904/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/01/19/Pirates-hoist-ransoms-for-hijacked-ships/UPI-96711295459904/http://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011.pdfhttp://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/Reduced+risk+of+pirate+attacks+to+cut+freight+costs+/-/539550/1299106/-/bp9ikrz/-/http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/Reduced+risk+of+pirate+attacks+to+cut+freight+costs+/-/539550/1299106/-/bp9ikrz/-/http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/Reduced+risk+of+pirate+attacks+to+cut+freight+costs+/-/539550/1299106/-/bp9ikrz/-/http://www.scribd.com/doc/39031433/Dictionary-of-Nautical-Words-Termshttp://www.scribd.com/doc/39031433/Dictionary-of-Nautical-Words-Termshttp://www.scribd.com/doc/39031433/Dictionary-of-Nautical-Words-Termshttp://www.scribd.com/doc/39031433/Dictionary-of-Nautical-Words-Termshttp://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/Reduced+risk+of+pirate+attacks+to+cut+freight+costs+/-/539550/1299106/-/bp9ikrz/-/http://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/economic_cost_of_piracy_2011.pdfhttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/01/19/Pirates-hoist-ransoms-for-hijacked-ships/UPI-96711295459904/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/act-now-pirates-offer-discounts-on-select-ransoms/http://www.nation.co.ke/News/regional/Somali+pirates+paid+Sh1+bn+in+one+year/-/1070/1295704/-/3qqpd0z/-/index.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15238831http://arabnews.com/world/article491259.ecehttp://arabnews.com/world/article491259.ecehttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/18/somali-raiders-cause-increase-in-global-piracy/http://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat_training/world_wind_regimes/GulfOfAden/sw_monsoon_lljet/index.htmlhttp://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/sat_training/world_wind_regimes/GulfOfAden/sw_monsoon_lljet/index.htmlhttp://www.marad.dot.gov/news_room_landing_page/horn_of_africa_piracy/horn_of_africa_piracy.htmhttp://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/09/pirates-threaten-global-commerce/http://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/WeeklyUpdate/WeeklyAssessment_30Nov_7Dec2011.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/default.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/Pages/Definitions.aspxhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/Somali_Piracy_Trifold_30NOV2010.pdfhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/news/424-pirates-intensify-attacks-in-new-areas-with-first-somali-hijacking-reported-in-red-seahttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nautical%20milehttp://www.shipping.nato.int/operations/OS/WeeklyUpdate/WeeklyAssessment_24Nov_30Nov.pdfhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypkgtL6QGy8&feature=relatedhttp://www.saveourseafarers.com/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9L44TR80.htmhttp://gcaptain.com/somali-pirates-release-tanker/?36853http://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/sites/default/files/human_cost_of_somali_piracy.pdfhttp://oceansbeyondpiracy.org/http://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/piracynewsafigureshttp://www.mb.com.ph/node/346391/imo-makehttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centrehttp://www.icc-ccs.org/home/imbhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-05/somali-pirate-hijackings-increase-to-15-month-high-ake-says.htmlhttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-05/somali-pirate-hijackings-increase-to-15-month-high-ake-says.htmlhttp://www.forbes.com/2009/04/13/piracy-logistics-shipping-business-logistics-piracy_slide_2.htmlhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/Piracy/Documents/201112_Journal_MurphyLO_RES.pdfhttp://www.iccwbo.com/index.html?id=34473http://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/docs/ASAM-1989.htmhttp://www.fas.org/irp/world/para/docs/ASAM-1989.htmhttp://www.marinelink.com/news/changing-piracy-face341232.aspxhttp://www.marinelink.com/news/changing-piracy-face341232.aspxhttp://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/11/08/Somali-pirate-attacks-hit-record-level/UPI-41821320782638/http://www.stratfor.com/image/somali-pirate-activity-2008-2011 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April 2012 Page 6
International Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, the European Union Naval Force (EU
NAVFOR) Somalia Operation ATALANTA, NATOs Operation Ocean Shield and other independent naval
forces,including: China, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation,
Saudi Arabia and Yemen.10
These patrols have captured and detained numerous pirates. Currently, approximately
1,000 Somali pirates are detained in20 countries.
The Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) was established in January 2009 tofacilitate the
discussion and coordination of actions among states and organisations to suppress piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Itcomprisesfive Working Groups, each handling their respective focus area (naval operational coordination, legal
issues, shipping industries self-protection measures, public diplomacy and disruption of financial networks).
In an effort to protect vulnerable merchant vessels from pirate attacks, the Maritime Security Centre Horn of
Africa (MSCHOA) established the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in February 2009.
MSCHOA encourages vessels to participate in group transits through the 450 nm-long artificial corridor in the
GoA for safer voyage. The IRTC has proven to be highly successful; however, attacks in the area continue. The
hijacking of the chemical tankerLiquid Velvet on 31 October 2011 was the first successful attack in over a year.
MSCHOA is a coordination centre and keeps close contact with shipping companies and masters, and coordinates
with military forces in the region to support and protect mariners.
In August 2011, the fourth edition of Best Management Practice (BMPs) for Protection against Somalia Based
Piracy was released. The pocket-book sized guide was created to protect seafarers and includes suggested
planning and operational practices for ship operators and masters of ships transiting the high risk area. The
shipping industry recommends that masters implementself-protection measuresto comply with BMPs and reduce
the risk of being hijacked. The IMO continues to recommend that ship captains and crew apply BMPs while
traveling through high risk areas. Further, ships traveling through Somali pirate-prone areas areadvised to registerwith the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and, while traveling through the GoA and IRTC,
to register with MSCHOA. UKMTO remains the primary pointof contact for merchant vessels and liaison with
military forces in the region. Information given by merchant vessels is shared with CMF and EU headquarters
and relevant information is also passed directly to ships. Reporting to MSCHOA and UKMTO is voluntary, but
highly advised to increase security and allow naval assets operating in the high risk area to respond quicker.
In February 2012, the TFG signed a contract withHalliday Finch Internationalto form under the auspices of the
([Transitional Federal Government) TFG Ministry of Defence and through the TFG Anti-Piracy Task Force, aNational Coast Guard capability with immediate effect. The semi-autonomous region of Puntland created the
Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) andits missionincludes deterring, detecting and eradicating piracy and
illegal fishing off its coast.
TheLondon Conferenceon Somalia on 24 February 2012 brought together senior representatives from more than40 countries and organisations. Discussions included the security situation, political process, local stability,
counter-terrorism, maritime piracy, humanitarian crisis and international coordination (see CFCMediterraneanBasin In Focus). Commitments from various countries were made to support the Somali government in its effortfor stability and peace. If this goal can be achieved, the results will have a positive impact on maritime piracy,
most likely reducing it, since unfavourableconditions on shoreexacerbate the piracy issue at sea.
Additionally, the prosecution and detention of pirates in Somalia are on-goingchallenges. A new prison was built
in Hargeisa, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Somaliland. Seventeen Somalipirates were transferredfrom the Seychelles to the prison in Hargeisa in March 2012. For additional information on piracy prosecutions in
the region,please see the CFC report Regional Courts and Prisons.
10 See also the International Naval Responsesection in the CFCsArmed Guards on Merchant Vesselsreport.
http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/cmf/151/index.htmlhttp://www.cusnc.navy.mil/cmf/151/index.htmlhttp://www.cusnc.navy.mil/cmf/151/index.htmlhttp://www.eunavfor.eu/http://www.eunavfor.eu/http://www.eunavfor.eu/http://www.aco.nato.int/page208433730.aspxhttp://www.aco.nato.int/page208433730.aspxhttp://www.aco.nato.int/page208433730.aspxhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/sc10454.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/sc10454.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/sc10454.doc.htmhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_-_Cage_of_pirates.shtmlhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_-_Cage_of_pirates.shtmlhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_-_Cage_of_pirates.shtmlhttp://www.thecgpcs.org/main.do?action=mainhttp://www.thecgpcs.org/main.do?action=mainhttp://www.thecgpcs.org/main.do?action=mainhttp://www.thecgpcs.org/work.do?action=workhttp://www.thecgpcs.org/work.do?action=workhttp://www.thecgpcs.org/work.do?action=workhttp://www.mschoa.org/Pages/newsplash.htmhttp://www.mschoa.org/Pages/newsplash.htmhttp://www.mschoa.org/Pages/newsplash.htmhttp://www.mschoa.org/Pages/About.aspxhttp://www.mschoa.org/Pages/About.aspxhttp://www.intertanko.com/upload/IRTC%20%20GT%20Explanation%20-%20March%202009%20(2).pdfhttp://www.intertanko.com/upload/IRTC%20%20GT%20Explanation%20-%20March%202009%20(2).pdfhttp://www.intertanko.com/upload/IRTC%20%20GT%20Explanation%20-%20March%202009%20(2).pdfhttp://www.mts.gov.eg/documents/pdfs/arabic/mschoa.pdfhttp://www.mts.gov.eg/documents/pdfs/arabic/mschoa.pdfhttp://elmiratankers.com/fleet.phphttp://elmiratankers.com/fleet.phphttp://www.shipping.nato.int/SiteCollectionDocuments/BMP4_web.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/SiteCollectionDocuments/BMP4_web.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/SiteCollectionDocuments/BMP4_web.pdfhttp://www.intertanko.com/Topics/Security/Security-/BMP4-forProtection-against-Somalia-Based-Piracy/http://www.intertanko.com/Topics/Security/Security-/BMP4-forProtection-against-Somalia-Based-Piracy/http://www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/SelfProtection.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/SelfProtection.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/SelfProtection.aspxhttp://www.marisec.org/PiracyCrisisintheIndianOcean.pdfhttp://www.marisec.org/PiracyCrisisintheIndianOcean.pdfhttp://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/http://www.mschoa.org/Links/Pages/UKMTO.aspxhttp://www.mschoa.org/Links/Pages/UKMTO.aspxhttp://www.mschoa.org/Links/Pages/UKMTO.aspxhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/SiteCollectionDocuments/BMP4_web.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/SiteCollectionDocuments/BMP4_web.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/SiteCollectionDocuments/BMP4_web.pdfhttp://www.lmalloyds.com/CMDownload.aspx?ContentKey=d88a5cea-933f-4858-8589-e9f15ddb9902&ContentItemKey=e876f6c8-6e47-418a-9c36-a1a7720ed04ahttp://www.lmalloyds.com/CMDownload.aspx?ContentKey=d88a5cea-933f-4858-8589-e9f15ddb9902&ContentItemKey=e876f6c8-6e47-418a-9c36-a1a7720ed04ahttp://www.lmalloyds.com/CMDownload.aspx?ContentKey=d88a5cea-933f-4858-8589-e9f15ddb9902&ContentItemKey=e876f6c8-6e47-418a-9c36-a1a7720ed04ahttp://www.hallidayfinch.org/http://www.hallidayfinch.org/http://www.hallidayfinch.org/http://www.oceanuslive.org/main/viewnews.aspx?uid=00000428http://www.oceanuslive.org/main/viewnews.aspx?uid=00000428http://pmpf.net/http://pmpf.net/http://pmpf.net/http://pmpf.net/about-2/http://pmpf.net/about-2/http://pmpf.net/about-2/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/london-conference-somalia/full-coveragehttp://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/london-conference-somalia/full-coveragehttp://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/london-conference-somalia/full-coveragehttp://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/london-conference-somalia/aims-of-the-conference/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/london-conference-somalia/aims-of-the-conference/https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n044%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(29-Feb-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n044%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(29-Feb-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n044%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(29-Feb-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n044%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(29-Feb-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n044%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(29-Feb-12).pdfhttp://www.counterpiracy.ae/briefing_papers/Murphy%20and%20Saba%20The%20Potential%20of%20Onshore%20Development.pdfhttp://www.counterpiracy.ae/briefing_papers/Murphy%20and%20Saba%20The%20Potential%20of%20Onshore%20Development.pdfhttp://www.counterpiracy.ae/briefing_papers/Murphy%20and%20Saba%20The%20Potential%20of%20Onshore%20Development.pdfhttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82S07420120329?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82S07420120329?sp=truehttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82S07420120329?sp=truehttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/r010%20CFC%20Monthly%20Thematic%20Report%20(12-Jan-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/r010%20CFC%20Monthly%20Thematic%20Report%20(12-Jan-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/r010%20CFC%20Monthly%20Thematic%20Report%20(12-Jan-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/Documents/CFC%20Anti-Piracy%20Thematic%20Papers/CFC_Anti-Piracy_Report_Armed%20Guards%20October%202011_Final_rmb.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/Documents/CFC%20Anti-Piracy%20Thematic%20Papers/CFC_Anti-Piracy_Report_Armed%20Guards%20October%202011_Final_rmb.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/Documents/CFC%20Anti-Piracy%20Thematic%20Papers/CFC_Anti-Piracy_Report_Armed%20Guards%20October%202011_Final_rmb.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/Documents/CFC%20Anti-Piracy%20Thematic%20Papers/CFC_Anti-Piracy_Report_Armed%20Guards%20October%202011_Final_rmb.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/r010%20CFC%20Monthly%20Thematic%20Report%20(12-Jan-12).pdfhttp://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82S07420120329?sp=truehttp://www.counterpiracy.ae/briefing_papers/Murphy%20and%20Saba%20The%20Potential%20of%20Onshore%20Development.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n044%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(29-Feb-12).pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Holder/Documents/n044%20CFC%20Weekly%20Sector%20Review%20-%20Med%20Basin%20(29-Feb-12).pdfhttp://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/london-conference-somalia/aims-of-the-conference/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/london-conference-somalia/full-coveragehttp://pmpf.net/about-2/http://pmpf.net/http://www.oceanuslive.org/main/viewnews.aspx?uid=00000428http://www.hallidayfinch.org/http://www.lmalloyds.com/CMDownload.aspx?ContentKey=d88a5cea-933f-4858-8589-e9f15ddb9902&ContentItemKey=e876f6c8-6e47-418a-9c36-a1a7720ed04ahttp://www.shipping.nato.int/SiteCollectionDocuments/BMP4_web.pdfhttp://www.mschoa.org/Links/Pages/UKMTO.aspxhttp://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/http://www.marisec.org/PiracyCrisisintheIndianOcean.pdfhttp://www.shipping.nato.int/Pages/SelfProtection.aspxhttp://www.intertanko.com/Topics/Security/Security-/BMP4-forProtection-against-Somalia-Based-Piracy/http://www.shipping.nato.int/SiteCollectionDocuments/BMP4_web.pdfhttp://elmiratankers.com/fleet.phphttp://www.mts.gov.eg/documents/pdfs/arabic/mschoa.pdfhttp://www.intertanko.com/upload/IRTC%20%20GT%20Explanation%20-%20March%202009%20(2).pdfhttp://www.mschoa.org/Pages/About.aspxhttp://www.mschoa.org/Pages/newsplash.htmhttp://www.thecgpcs.org/work.do?action=workhttp://www.thecgpcs.org/main.do?action=mainhttp://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Somalia_Puntland_-_Cage_of_pirates.shtmlhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/sc10454.doc.htmhttp://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/sc10454.doc.htmhttp://www.aco.nato.int/page208433730.aspxhttp://www.eunavfor.eu/http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/cmf/151/index.htmlhttp://combinedmaritimeforces.com/ 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South and Central America and the Caribbean
Waters
On 29 December 2011, the IMBs Piracy and
Armed Robbery Prone Areas and Warnings list
included Brazil, Haiti, Peru and Venezuela. Mostincidents in these countries reportedly occur at
anchorage areas and robbers often flee after being
discovered.11
12
However, the Maritime OPINTEL
Report, Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) did
not record any incidents in those regions between
February/March 2012. As of 12 April 2012, the
PRC only lists Ecuador and indicates an increase of
incidents at the sea port of Guayaquil. These
incidents occur predominately in port and,
according to the UNCLOS definition of piracy,
these acts are considered armed robberies. An
incident in Guayaquil occurred on 20 December2011 when a container ship was boarded by 12
robbers off the coast; contents of 10 containers were
removed from the ship and a boatswain hostage.
A more recent incident in Port Au Prince, Haiti involved armed robbersattacking a tankeron 24 March 2012. The
product tanker was at anchorage when two boats with several armed robbers boarded it. The robbers fled with
stolen stores when the officer on watch (OOW) raised the alarm. Other than the Live IMB Piracy an ArmedRobbery Report and the WTS, it is difficult to find incidents in the region in open sources. Regional responses are
unclear since these incidents occur mostly at anchorage and are the responsibility of port authorities and the
police. Limited opensourceEnglish language information regarding incidents in this area further limits a clear
understanding of these events.
Current ResponseIncidents in South and Central America and the Caribbean Waters are typically handled by local police or port
authorities and appear to effectively manage the issue and reported incidents are recorded by the IMB and WTS.
Rest of the World
This category as defined by the PRC includes, the Arabian Sea in
particular off the coast of Oman and Indian Ocean, off the
Seychelles, Madagascar and west Maldives. PRC further statesthat Somali pirates are responsible for attacks in these areas,
although no specific numbers are provided. With the use of
motherships, Somali pirates are able to reach these distances. On26 March 2012, the Iranian-owned MV Eglantine and its crew of
23were hijackedby Somali pirates off the Maldives, about3,000
kmfrom the Somalia coast.The Iranian Navy launched a rescue
operation to free the bulk carrier and its crew on 02 April 2012.
The vessel and 21 seafarers were freed, 12 pirates detained andtwo Filipino crewmembers died during the rescue operation.
Comparative TrendsPiracy incidents in Africa and Asia vastly differ in the methods
utilised by the attackers, their choice of weapons and their intent
(see Annex C). Asian waters were among the most dangerous
11Annual IMB Piracy Report,Status of ships during actual attacks JanuaryDecember 2011, page 9
12 Attack have been found to occur in Vila do Conde, Brazil; Port Au Prince ,Haiti; Callao, Peru; and Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela
http://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.simsl.com/Loss-Prevention-and-Safety-Training/VenezuelaPiracy0711.htmhttp://www.simsl.com/Loss-Prevention-and-Safety-Training/VenezuelaPiracy0711.htmhttp://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/piracy-2/weekly-piracy-and-maritime-crime-report-nigerian-hijacking-the-montecristo-and-fatalities-in-thailand/http://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/piracy-2/weekly-piracy-and-maritime-crime-report-nigerian-hijacking-the-montecristo-and-fatalities-in-thailand/http://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/piracy-2/weekly-piracy-and-maritime-crime-report-nigerian-hijacking-the-montecristo-and-fatalities-in-thailand/http://www.register-iri.com/userfiles/file/ONI_WTS.pdfhttp://www.register-iri.com/userfiles/file/ONI_WTS.pdfhttp://www.register-iri.com/userfiles/file/ONI_WTS.pdfhttp://www.itfseafarers.org/maritime_news.cfm/newsdetail/6867/region/6/section/0/order/1http://www.itfseafarers.org/maritime_news.cfm/newsdetail/6867/region/6/section/0/order/1http://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-reporthttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-reporthttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-reporthttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-reporthttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-reporthttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-reporthttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://gcaptain.com/iranian-bulk-carrier-hijacked/?43013http://gcaptain.com/iranian-bulk-carrier-hijacked/?43013http://gcaptain.com/iranian-bulk-carrier-hijacked/?43013http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17518631http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17518631http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17518631http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17518631https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Documents/Horn%20of%20Africa/IMB%20Reports/2011%20Annual%20IMB%20Piracy%20Report%5b1%5d.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Documents/Horn%20of%20Africa/IMB%20Reports/2011%20Annual%20IMB%20Piracy%20Report%5b1%5d.pdfhttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Documents/Horn%20of%20Africa/IMB%20Reports/2011%20Annual%20IMB%20Piracy%20Report%5b1%5d.pdfhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/imb-live-piracy-maphttp://mappery.com/Indian-Ocean-Islands-Maphttps://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/medbasin/Documents/Horn%20of%20Africa/IMB%20Reports/2011%20Annual%20IMB%20Piracy%20Report%5b1%5d.pdfhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17518631http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17518631http://gcaptain.com/iranian-bulk-carrier-hijacked/?43013http://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warningshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-reporthttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-reporthttp://www.itfseafarers.org/maritime_news.cfm/newsdetail/6867/region/6/section/0/order/1http://www.register-iri.com/userfiles/file/ONI_WTS.pdfhttp://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/piracy-2/weekly-piracy-and-maritime-crime-report-nigerian-hijacking-the-montecristo-and-fatalities-in-thailand/http://www.simsl.com/Loss-Prevention-and-Safety-Training/VenezuelaPiracy0711.htmhttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/prone-areas-and-warnings -
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International Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery
waters to travel through in 2005, but attackshave since decreased. In 2008, the GoAbecame the worlds number
one piracy hot spot. However, successful hijackingsoff the coast of Somalia have also decreased and incidents
reported in the GoGhave increased. Some attacks involve the hijacking of a vessel and its crew for ransom; this is
the predominate modus operandi of Somali pirates. Other pirate groups, such as those operating off the West
Coast of Africa, aim to steal the cargo.
Vessel attacks inSouth and Central America, the Caribbean, South East Asia and the Indian Sub-continent mostly
occur at anchorage in ports, where thieves use knives and guns for their raids and aim to steal the cargo and
valuables of the ship. As outlined in the beginning of this paper, based on UNCLOSs definition of piracy, there
are only a few incidents in Asia and South America that constitute pirate attacks. The majority of pirate attacksoccur off Africas East and West coast. Events in the Gulf of Guinea are increasing as attackers mostly target oil
tankers, to steal then sell the cargo; although there have been exceptions, these incidents usually do not involve
hostages or ransoms.
According to IMB, as of 19 March Somali pirates have been responsible for 36 of the 87 attacks in 2012,
accounting for almost half of the worldwide incidents. They are opportunists and not concerned with any
particular type of vessel or cargo. They usually hijack a vessel and use it as a mothership or demand ransom for
the release of the ship and crew. Thelack of an effective governmentin Somalia has been a contributing factor tothe piracy issue at sea.
Conclusion
While the types of attacks on vessels and the goal of the attackers vary around the globe, there are similarities that
can be helpful in understanding and remedying the new pirate hot spots in Africa. Piracy in the Malacca Strait
improved when littoral states gathered and implemented several strategies which resulted in the decrease of
incidents. Littoral states of the GoG are eager to cooperate not only with each other but also with the internationalcommunity to try and find a comprehensive approach to deal with the attacks in that region.
Somali piracy has continued to flourish despite some advances by the TFG in countering terrorism, bringing
greater stability to Mogadishu and increasing counter-piracy efforts by the international community. Additionally,
Puntland, Somaliland and the TFG have recently initiated several plans to counter-piracy off their coast. However,
given limited resources and training, it remains to be seen how effective these initiatives will be in addressing thepiracy issue.
International and regional actors have demonstrated substantial progress and momentum in deterring and
preventing successful pirate hijackings worldwide. However, it is clear that further success relies on continued
international cooperation and coordination on counter piracy activities.
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/imb18-2/Article/http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/imb18-2/Article/http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/imb18-2/Article/http://www.saveourseafarers.com/somali-piracy-2011-annual-update.htmlhttp://www.saveourseafarers.com/somali-piracy-2011-annual-update.htmlhttp://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2012/0228/Next-pirate-hot-spot-the-Gulf-of-Guineahttp://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2012/0228/Next-pirate-hot-spot-the-Gulf-of-Guineahttp://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2012/0228/Next-pirate-hot-spot-the-Gulf-of-Guineahttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/piracynewsafigureshttp://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/dire-straits-taking-somali-pirateshttp://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/dire-straits-taking-somali-pirateshttp://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/dire-straits-taking-somali-pirateshttp://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/dire-straits-taking-somali-pirateshttp://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/dire-straits-taking-somali-pirateshttp://development.asia/printer-friendly.asp?url=/issue03/cover-05.asphttp://development.asia/printer-friendly.asp?url=/issue03/cover-05.asphttp://development.asia/printer-friendly.asp?url=/issue03/cover-05.asphttp://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/dire-straits-taking-somali-pirateshttp://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/dire-straits-taking-somali-pirateshttp://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/piracynewsafigureshttp://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2012/0228/Next-pirate-hot-spot-the-Gulf-of-Guineahttp://www.saveourseafarers.com/somali-piracy-2011-annual-update.htmlhttp://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/imb18-2/Article/ -
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Annex A. ReCAAP Consolidated Yearly Incident Reports,Location of Incidentsin Asia (01-12 December)
Annex B. 2011Significant Level of Incidents (2007-2011)
http://www.recaap.org/ConsolidatedIncidents.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/ConsolidatedIncidents.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/ConsolidatedIncidents.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/AlertsReports/IncidentReports.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=239http://www.recaap.org/ConsolidatedIncidents.aspxhttp://www.recaap.org/ConsolidatedIncidents.aspx -
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Annex C. Comparative Maritime Trends: Horn of Africa/Gulf of Aden and the Straits of Malacca
Maritime Predations in the Malacca Straits: Treading New Waters
Published and Distributed by the RSIS Centre for NTS Studies, NTU
http://www.rsis.edu.sg/nts/resources/nts-insight/NTS%20Insight%20Sept%202009.pdfhttp://www.rsis.edu.sg/nts/resources/nts-insight/NTS%20Insight%20Sept%202009.pdfhttp://www.rsis.edu.sg/nts/resources/nts-insight/NTS%20Insight%20Sept%202009.pdfhttp://www.rsis.edu.sg/nts/resources/nts-insight/NTS%20Insight%20Sept%202009.pdf