Weekly Maritime Security Report - uc-global.com control informed. ... Location detail: Dumai Inner Anchorage Narrations: 08.09.2016: 0345 LT: Posn: 01:41.8N – 101:29.7E, Dumai Inner

Weekly Maritime Security Report September 2016

2 Uc-Global SL. - +34 902 070 525 - C/Cerrajería 5 Parque Empresarial Oeste Jerez de la frontera 11408 - Cádiz, España

Weekly Maritime Security ReportSeptembter 2016

Horn of Africa Piracy Events Over The Past Week

Pirate and maritime crime activity in East Africa waters is at a low level. There were no reported suspicious incidents during the past week.

Details:

Incident Disposition:

Tabulated Data for Horn of Africa Activity

Summary of Horn of Africa Piracy Events

Vessels This Week Last Week Sept 2016 Aug 2016 2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Hijacked 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7

Boarding 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Fired Upon/Attempted Boarding 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 24

Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 32

Summary of piracy events that have occurred this week, this month, and current/prior years. Note: The above statistics do not include regional dhows/fishing vessels that were hijacked. Hijacked dhows are frequently used as motherships by pirates and released without a ransom being paid.

Vessels Hijacked

No incidents to report.Vessels Boarded

No incidents to report.Other Activity

No incidents to reportVessels Fired Upon/

Attempted Boardings

No incidents to report.



GULF OF GUINEA PIRACY EVENTS OVER THE PAST WEEK

Pirate and maritime crime activity in West Africa waters is at a low level. There was one reported attack on oil infrastructure during this past week.

Details

*Incident 1 NIGERIA: On 13 September, a militant group, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, blew up the Afiesere-Iwhrenene oil pipeline, operated by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company/Shorelines Petroleum, in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. (Vanguard Online)

Incident Disposition

Nigeria: Pirates hijack boat, kill four policemen in Rivers state 6 September

Armed pirates hijacked a gunboat belonging to the marine police and shot dead four personnel off Abonnema community in the Akuku-Toru local government area of Nigeria’s Rivers State. The pirates escaped with the boat and it remains unclear whether they were affiliated to a known militant group.

PVI Analysis: The attack comes amid ongoing security operations in the state, and the Niger Delta more widely, as part of operation Crocodile Smile that targets armed criminal gangs and kidnapping rings. The operation has increased the risk of reprisal attacks, which are frequently fatal, by armed groups in the region.

Vessels Hijacked

No incidents to report.Vessels Boarded

No incidents to report.Kidnapping

No incidents to reportOther Activiry

No incidents to reportVessels Fired

Upon/Attempted Boardings*Incident 1



GoG Maritime Crime Activity, 8 - 14 September 2016

Tabulated Data for Gulf of Guinea Activity

Summary of Gulf of Guinea Piracy Events

Vessels This Week Last Week Sept 2016 Aug 2016 2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Hijacked 0 0 0 0 2 2 9 11 14

Boarding 0 0 1 5 26 29 33 26 31

Fired Upon/Attempted Boarding 1 0 2 4 75 40 31 43 30

Kidnapping 0 0 0 3 26 27 26 32 14

Total 1 0 3 11 130 96 99 112 89

Summary of piracy events that have occurred this week, this month, and current/prior years. This table includes incidents not described in this product line.



SOUTHEAST ASIA PIRACY EVENTS OVER THE PAST WEEK

Pirate and maritime crime activity in Southeast Asia waters is at a moderate level. Two boardings and a kidnapping were reported this past week, with additional reporting concerning the extradition of the suspects in the hijacking of the tanker ORKIM HARMONY during June 2015.

Details

Vessels Hijacked:MALAYSIA: On 11 June 2015, the owners of the Malaysia-flagged tanker ORKIM HARMONY lost contact with the vessel and reported the event to authorities, fearing the vessel had been hijacked. The ship remained undetected until it was found on 18 June 2015 in Cambodian waters. (ReCAAP; www.abc.net.au; www.thestar.com.my; www.straitstimes.com)

UPDATE: On 12 September, a court in Vietnam ruled to extradite the eight Indonesian ORKIM HARMONY pirate suspects to Malaysia. The eight washed ashore on a small Vietnamese island after escaping from the hijacked ship but were soon arrested by Vietnamese authorities. The court accepted Malaysia’s proposal to extradite the men to Malaysia based on Vietnam’s mutual legal support laws with Malaysia. (www.thanhniennews.com; AFP)

Kidnapping:MALAYSIA: On 10 September, seven armed men, believed to be from the Philippines, kidnapped the captain and two crewmen from a fishing boat in Sabah waters near the tourist resort of Pulau Pom Pom off Semporna. The kidnappers took the three crewmen and fled in a green fast boat towards the southern Philippines. (www.thestar.com.my)

Malaysia: Assailants kidnap three fishermen off Sabah 9 September

Seven suspected Filipino gunmen kidnapped a skipper and two crewmembers from a fishing trawler anchored off the Malaysian tourist resort island of Pom Pom in Semporna, off the coast of Sabah. The incident took place at 2240 hrs local time when seven gunmen, speaking a Filipino dialect called Bajau used by residents of the Sulu Sea area, boarded the Semporna-registered Puteri vessel while it was anchored off Pulau Gaya. The assailants robbed the 16 crew of their phones and valuables and assaulted one crewmember before kidnapping the three crewmembers.

Details of the attack indicate it was perpetrated by Philippines Islamist group Abu Sayyaf (ASG), as it took place in the same region as similar kidnappings committed by ASG and the dialect spoken by the gunmen was the same as that of the militants. The latest incident comes amid a wave of kidnappings-for-ransom by ASG, which is based in the Sulu islands of Jolo and Basilan, and which has prompted joint regional patrols and restrictions on the routes which tugs can take through the Sulu and Celebes seas. West Africa

Vessels Boarded:INDONESIA: On 14 September, five robbers wearing masks and armed with long knives boarded a berthed bulk carrier during cargo operations near position 01:44N - 101:23E, Dumai Anchorage. Two crewmen who entered the engine storage room were taken hostage, robbed and tied up by the robbers, who later escaped with stolen spare parts. The crewmen untied themselves and raised the alarm. A search was carried out. Local agents and port security informed. (IMB)



INDONESIA: On 8 September, four robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored tanker near position 01:41N - 101:29E, Dumai Inner Anchorage. The robbers entered into the engine room. The duty second engineer noticed the robbers and informed the duty officer on the bridge who raised the alarm and mustered the crew. On hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped through the steering gear room with stolen ship’s spares. Port control informed. (IMB)

Indonesia: Armed robbers steal from tanker at Dumai Inner Anchorage 9 September

Four assailants armed with knives stole ship’s spares from a tanker’s engine room at 0345 hrs local time, while it was anchored at Dumai Inner Anchorage, Sumatra. Crew on duty rounds raised the alarm upon sighting the robbers, causing the criminals to escape via the steering gear room with the ship’s spares.

Indonesia: Armed assailants board bulk carrier in Dumai 6 September

Four armed robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored in the Dumai Inner Anchorage in Indonesia, entering the engine room through the funnel door at 2335 hrs local time. The thieves held the oiler manager hostage at knife point, tied him up, and fled after stealing engine spares. The manager raised the alarm after freeing himself. None of the crew members were injured.

Armed robberies at Dumai Anchorage have resumed in the third quarter of 2016 after a lull in reported attacks in the first half of this year. Some of the attacks have been violent in nature, with assailants threatening crew members with knives. Attacks tend to take place at night when robbers are less likely to be seen.

Vessels Fired Upon/Attempted Boarding/Attack:


Other Activity:




Incident Disposition

Tabulated Data for Southeast Asia Activity

Summary of Southeast Asia Piracy Events

Vessels This Week Last Week Sept 2016 Aug 2016 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012

Attacks, Boardings, Kidnappings 3 2 5 5 75 238 184 176 123

Hijackings 0 0 0 0 2 16 16 7 6

Total 3 2 5 5 77 254 200 183 129

Summary of piracy events that have occurred this week, this month, and current/prior years. This table includes incidents not described in this product line.



Live Piracy & Armed Robbery Report September 2016

Date: Fri Sep 16 2016

Type of Vessel : Offshore Tug

Location detail: Galang, Batam Island

Narrations: 16.09.2016 – 0000 – 0600: Posn: 0043N - 104:10E: Galang, Batam, Indonesia. During routine rounds on an anchored OSV, the Chief Engineer noticed the spares cabinet and lockers broken into and some items missing. The incident was reported to the authorities who boarded the vessel and inspected the vessel.

Type of Attack : Boarded



Date: Wed Sep 14 2016

Type of Vessel : Bulk Carrier

Location detail: Private Jetty, PT Semen Padang, Dumai

Narrations: 14.09.2016: 0500 LT: Posn: 01:44N – 101:23E, Dumai, Indonesia.

Five robbers wearing masks and armed with long knives boarded a berthed bulk carrier during cargo operations. The E/O and 3/E entered the engine room store and were taken hostage, robbed and tied up by the robbers, who later escaped with stolen spares. The E/O and 3/E untied themselves and raised the alarm. A search was carried out. Local agents and port security informed.




Date: Wed Sep 14 2016


Location detail: Chittagong Bravo Anchorage

Narrations: 14.09.2016: 1500 LT: Posn: 22:13.5N – 091:41.2E, Chhittagong, Bangladesh. Duty crew on a bulk carrier carrying our cargo operations at anchorage noticed the store room broken into. Upon alerting the crew and carrying out a search, along with the security crew it was noticed that the mooring gang employed onboard the vessel has stolen ship’s properties. The robbers were apprehended and disembarked onto the lightering barge. All stolen property recovered. Agent informed.




Date: Thu Sep 08 2016

Type of Vessel : Crude Oil Tanker

Location detail: Dumai Inner Anchorage

Narrations: 08.09.2016: 0345 LT: Posn: 01:41.8N – 101:29.7E, Dumai Inner Anchorage, Indonesia. Four robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored tanker and entered into the engine room. Duty 2/E noticed the robbers and informed the D/O on the bridge who raised the alarm and all crew mustered. On hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped through the steering gear room with ship’s spares. Port control informed.




Date: Tue Sep 06 2016


Location detail: Dumai Inner Anchorage

Narrations: 06.09.2016: 2335 LT: Posn: 01:43.3N - 101:26.0E, Dumai Inner Anchorage, Indonesia. Four armed robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier and entered the engine room via the funnel door. They threatened the duty oiler with knives and tied him up. The robbers then stole engine spares and escaped. After the robbers left the oiler managed to free himself and alert the duty officer who in turn raised the alarm. No injuries to crew members. Incident reported to port authorities.




Date: Tue Sep 06 2016

Type of Vessel : Crude Oil Tanker

Location detail: Jetty No.10, Beira Port

Narrations: 06.09.2016: 0350 LT: Posn: Jetty No.10, Beira Port, Mozambique. Crew onboard a berthed tanker noticed robbers stealing ship’s properties and raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped.




Date: Fri Sep 02 2016

Type of Vessel : Product Tanker

Location detail: New Davao Oil Mill Terminal, Davao Port

Narrations: 02.09.2016: 0820 LT: Posn: 07:09.7N - 125:39.6E, New Davao Oil Mill Terminal, Davao Port, Philippines. Duty crew on a berthed product tanker noticed a robber onboard and raised the alarm. Seeing the crew alertness, the robber escaped with stolen ship’s properties.




Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) Report 16 August - 14 September 2016+

Scope Note

The Worldwide Threat to Shipping (WTS) message provides info on piracy threats to, and criminal action against, merchant vessels and the shipping industry worldwide in the last 30 days. This report is produced primarily to inform merchant mariners and naval forces.

Summary

INDONESIA: On 14 September, five robbers wearing masks and armed with long knives boarded a berthed bulk carrier during cargo operations in Dumai Anchorage.

BANGLADESH: On 14 September, a group of robbers reportedly kidnapped 20 fishermen and looted valuables from their boats in the Dhanshiddhir Char in Mongla area of Bagerhat in the Sundarbans.

NIGERIA: On 13 September, a militant group, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, blew up the Afiesere-Iwhrenene oil pipeline.

On 12 September, a court in Vietnam ruled to extradite the eight Indonesian ORKIM HARMONY pirate suspects to Malaysia.

MALAYSIA: On 10 September, seven armed men, believed to be from the Philippines, kidnapped the captain and two crewmen from a fishing boat in Sabah waters.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: On 10 September, eight robbers boarded a boat and stole personal property in the vicinity of Madang.

PHILIPPINES: On 9 September, Philippines Coast Guard authorities impounded a load of sea food when it was discovered that the shipment contained prohibited items.

BANGLADESH: On 9 September, nine robbers boarded the cargo ship BANDHU SARDAR, then attacked and robbed the crew

INDONESIA: On 8 September, four robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored tanker in Dumai Inner Anchorage.

SOMALIA: On 7 September, persons on a foreign fishing ship, reportedly fishing illegally in Somali waters, fired on a small group of Somali fishermen near Jawasa-hasani Island.

GERMANY: In early September, German authorities in port of Hamburg found 10 kilograms of extremely pure cocaine.

Counter-Piracy and Maritime Crime Announcements and Advisories

GULF OF ADEN: Government of Japan convoy schedule for September 2016. To apply for JMSDF escort, visit http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/maritime/maritime_fr2_000000.html, please contact directly the Anti-Piracy Contact and Coordination Office, Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT), Japan: Tel: +81-3-5253-8932; Fax: +81-3-5253-1643. Email: [email protected]. (MSCHOA)

GULF OF ADEN: Korean Navy convoy schedule for September 2016. All merchant vessels wishing to join the convoy group must submit their application forms directly to the ROK naval warship carrying out the mission. The ROK MTG can be reached directly at INMARSAT: 1-203-346-7633. Email: [email protected]. (MSCHOA)

GULF OF ADEN: Chinese Navy convoy schedule for September 2016. For further information, please e-mail [email protected], or call Tel: 00870 773 120 807; or 441 221 894. (MSCHOA)



GULF OF ADEN: Indian Navy convoy escort schedule for September 2016. To register, email [email protected]; or visit www.dgshipping.com. Telephone numbers for contact are: 91-22- 22614646 or fax at 91-22-22613636. (MSCHOA)

GULF OF ADEN: Russian Navy convoy escort schedule for September 2016. For further information e-mail [email protected]; [email protected]; or fax +7 (499) 642-83-29. (MSCHOA)

Details: Monthly Incidents by Region

This section lists reports of active violence against shipping, credible threats to shipping, or the potential for a situation to develop into a direct threat to shipping over the last 30 days. Every effort is made to ensure that incidents are not double-counted. In the event double-counting is detected, or an incident is later learned to be different than initially reported, an explanation of the cancellation of the inaccurate report will be made in at least one message prior to dropping the erroneous report.

ATLANTIC OCEAN AREA:

No current incidents to report.

NORTHERN EUROPE - BALTIC:

GERMANY: In early September, German authorities in port of Hamburg found 10 kilograms of extremely pure cocaine, packed in one kilogram bundles, hidden in a cargo of construction vehicles shipped from Brazil. The ship was detained while a further search was conducted. (AP)

Northern Europe - Baltic Piracy and Maritime Crime



MEDITERRANEAN - BLACK SEA:

ITALY: On 5 September, Italian authorities arrested two Ukrainian sailors accused of trying to smuggle 50 Pakistani men to Italy on a 12-meter sail boat. The suspects arrested, aged 21 and 25, were in charge of a Turkey- flagged boat, which police believe had set sail from Turkey. The boat was intercepted off the Apulia coast. In recent years criminal gangs have been offering “luxury journeys” on seaworthy vessels manned by qualified sailors at a cost of between $6,000 and $8,000 per passenger, about four times the average price of a normal crossing on rickety, overcrowded boats. (Thomson Reuters Foundation; www.fleetmon.com)

UKRAINE: On 4 September, a fight broke out among several crewmen aboard the cargo ship MEHMET UNLU soon after the ship left the port of Nikolayev. Units from the Ukraine Coast Guard and members of a Ukrainian Special Forces team boarded the ship and detained the crew. One crewman was reportedly killed during the fight, with the ship’s captain injured. (www.fleetmon.com; www.news.odin.tc)

LIBYA: On 17 August, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that Luxemburg-flagged tug supply vessel BOURBON ARGOS was taking part in migrant rescue operations 24 nm north of Libyan coast when they were “approached and attacked by a group of armed men onboard an unidentified speedboat.” Subsequently, a Libyan Navy spokesman claimed that Libyan forces had approached the BOURBON ARGOS after its crew refused to identify themselves. The navy spokesman denied that Libyan forces had fired directly at the MSF boat or boarded the vessel. (AFP; www.theguardian.com)

WEST AFRICA

NIGERIA: On 13 September, a militant group, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, blew up the Afiesere-Iwhrenene oil pipeline, operated by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company/Shorelines Petroleum, in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. (Vanguard Online)

NIGERIA: On 5 September, four marine police officers were missing and reportedly killed after gunmen attacked them and stole their boat in southern Nigeria. The officers were on patrol in the Abonnema area west of the Rivers State capital of Port Harcourt when they came under attack. Local media reports said the police had been killed but a state police spokesman said it was “premature to conclude that the policemen were dead.” It was not immediately clear if the attack was carried out by rebels who have repeatedly hit oil and gas installations in the oil-producing southern region this year, or, by roving criminal gangs in the area. (www.dailystar.com.lb)

NIGERIA: On 30 August, the newly formed Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) group said in a statement that they attacked a Nigerian Petroleum Development Company oil pipeline, near Oteri, in the southern oil-producing Delta State. (AFP World Service)

GUINEA: On 24 August, seven robbers armed with guns and knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 09:24N - 013:43W, 5.5 nm south of Conakry. Two crewmen were taken hostage and beaten. The robbers escaped with crew’s cash and properties. Incident reported to the local agent. (IMB)

NIGERIA: On 19 August, two fishermen were kidnapped from the Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State. A large ransom was reportedly made for their release. (www.thenationonlineng.net)

NIGERIA: On 18 August, six fishermen were kidnapped from the Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State. A large ransom was reportedly made for their release. (www.thenationonlineng.net)

NIGERIA: On 17 August, nine pirates armed with guns in a wooden speedboat boarded the underway general cargo ship VECTIS OSPREY near position 03:54N - 007:09E, 28 nm south of Bonny. Alarm raised, SSAS activated and all crew retreated to the citadel. The Nigerian Navy subsequently boarded the vessel for an investigation. All crew are safe. (www.thenationonlineng.net; www.fleetmon.com; NGA)



West Africa Piracy and Maritime Crime

ARABIAN GULF:


INDIAN OCEAN - EAST AFRICA:

SOMALIA: On 7 September, persons on a foreign fishing ship, reportedly fishing illegally in Somali waters, fired on a small group of Somali fishermen near Jawasa-hasani Island, in the lower Jubba region of southern Somalia. Two fishermen were killed and nine others were seriously injured. (www.sonna.so/en)

MOZAMBIQUE: On 6 September, several robbers boarded a berthed tanker near position 19:50S - 034:52E, Jetty No 10, Beira Port. A duty crewman saw the robbers stealing ship’s properties and raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew, the robbers escaped. (IMB)

Indian Ocean - East Africa Piracy and Maritime Crime



EAST ASIA - SOUTHEAST ASIA - INDIAN SUBCONTINENT:

INDONESIA: On 14 September, five robbers wearing masks and armed with long knives boarded a berthed bulk carrier during cargo operations near position 01:44N - 101:23E, Dumai Anchorage. Two crewmen who entered the engine store room were taken hostage, robbed and tied up by the robbers, who later escaped with stolen spare parts. The crewmen untied themselves and raised the alarm. A search was carried out. Local agents and port security informed. (IMB)

BANGLADESH: On 14 September, a group of robbers reportedly kidnapped 20 fishermen and looted valuables from their boats in the Dhanshiddhir Char in Mongla area of Bagerhat in the Sundarbans. Several fishermen who escaped the kidnapping said 12 robbers of the ‘Jahangir Bahini’ gang attacked the fishermen. The robbers then looted fish and nets from the boats and abducted 20 fishermen. Five of the fishermen were injured as the robbers beat them as they tried to resist the kidnappers. (www.thedailystar.net)

MALAYSIA: On 11 June 2015, the owners of the Malaysia-flagged tanker ORKIM HARMONY lost contact with the vessel and reported the event to authorities, fearing the vessel had been hijacked. The ship remained undetected until it was found on 18 June 2015 in Cambodian waters. (ReCAAP; www.abc.net.au; www.thestar.com.my; www.straitstimes.com) UPDATE: On 12 September, a court in Vietnam ruled to extradite the eight Indonesian ORKIM HARMONY pirate suspects to Malaysia. The eight washed ashore on a small Vietnamese island after escaping from the hijacked ship but were soon arrested by Vietnamese authorities. The court accepted Malaysia’s proposal to extradite the men based on Vietnam’s mutual legal support laws with Malaysia. (www.thanhniennews.com; AFP)

MALAYSIA: On 10 September, seven armed men, believed to be from the Philippines, kidnapped the captain and two crewmen from a fishing boat in Sabah waters near the tourist resort of Pulau Pom Pom off Semporna. The kidnappers took the three crewmen and fled in a green fast boat towards the southern Philippines. (www.thestar.com.my)

PHILIPPINES: On 9 September, Philippines Coast Guard authorities impounded a load of sea food when it was discovered that the shipment contained prohibited items. Authorities were inspecting the passenger ferry TRISHA KERSTIN 2, en route from Bongao, Tawi-tawi to Port of Zamboanga City, when a large amount of prohibited shark meat was found among a two-ton shipment of other seafood. In all, 38 shark tails, 20 shark fins and three Whale Shark tails were found, which were turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Zamboanga City. (www.marinelink.com)

BANGLADESH: On 9 September, nine robbers boarded the cargo ship BANDHU SARDAR then attacked and robbed the crew. The ship, loaded with clinker was en route Meghnaghat from Payra sea port when the robbers attacked the crew with long knives and got away with a large amount of cash and personal property. (The Seafarer Times; www.thedailystar.net)

INDONESIA: On 8 September, four robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored tanker near position 01:41N - 101:29E, Dumai Inner Anchorage. The robbers entered into the engine room. The duty second engineer noticed the robbers and informed the duty officer on the bridge who raised the alarm and mustered the crew. On hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped through the steering gear room with stolen ship’s spares. Port control informed. (IMB)

INDONESIA: On 6 September, four armed robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 01:43N - 191:26E, Dumai Inner Anchorage. The robbers entered the engine room via the funnel door and threatened the duty oiler with knives and tied him up. The robbers then stole engine spares and escaped. After the robbers left, the oiler managed to free himself and alert the duty officer who in turn raised the alarm. No injuries to crew members. Incident reported to port authorities. (IMB)



PHILIPPINES: On 2 September, one robber boarded a berthed tanker near position 07:09N - 125:39E, New Davao Oil Mill Terminal. Duty crewman saw the robber onboard and raised the alarm. Seeing the crew’s alertness, the robber escaped with stolen ship’s properties. (IMB)

BANGLADESH: On 25 August, suspected pirates abducted a fisherman in the Meghna River at Manpura Upazila in Bhola district. Initially, the pirates opened fire at the fishermen who tried to resist them. Frightened, five fishermen jumped into the Meghna River. The gang then looted fishing nets and fish along with the trawler and abducted the fisherman. (www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com)

BANGLADESH: On 25 August, a gang of pirates kidnapped four fishermen for not paying a toll in the Meghna River adjacent to Char Abdullahpur in Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur. When the fishermen refused to pay, the bandits attacked them, injuring several of the fishermen. They then picked up four fishermen and fled the scene. The kidnappers demanded a huge amount of money as ransom from the family members of the four fishermen. (www.en.prothom-alo.com)

PHILIPPINES: On 25 August, gunmen attacked the passenger boat MB PRINCESS AJ near Claveria town on the island province of Masbate. The gunmen reportedly fired at the engine of the passenger boat, and instead hit three passengers, severely injuring one of them. (Philippines News Agency)

PHILIPPINES: On 24 August, customs officials in northern Mindanao impounded 5 shipping containers holding trucks shipped from Japan and Korea. (www.mb.com.ph)

INDONESIA: On 19 August, four armed robbers attempted to board an underway tug and barge near position 01:11N - 103:52E, approximately 5 nm northwest of Pulau Batam. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Seeing the crew’s alertness, the robbers aborted the attempt and moved away. (IMB)

PHILIPPINES: On 17 August, soldiers searching for Abu Sayyaf bandits and Indonesian kidnap victims found one more of the captives who escaped in Luuk town, Sulu. A Western Mindanao Command spokesperson said the kidnap victim identified himself as Ismail, chief officer of the tugboat CHARLES. (www.globalnation.inquirer.net)

INDONESIA: On 17 August, an Indonesian Government official revealed that two Indonesians, who were held hostage in South Philippines, had been released. The release of the two Indonesians abducted by an armed militant group in the Philippines is reportedly a gift for the country as it coincides with the 71st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence. The crewmen are two of the seven crew members of tugboat CHARLES. The boat was hijacked by an armed group in the Sulu waters of the Philippines on 23 June. (www.antaranews.com/en)

East Asia - Southeast Asia - Indian Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime Crime



East Asia - Southeast Asia - Indian Subcontinent Piracy and Maritime Crime

NORTHEAST ASIA:


PACIFIC OCEAN - SOUTHERN OCEAN:

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: On 10 September, eight robbers boarded a boat and stole personal property in the vicinity of Madang. Several of the passengers jumped overboard and swam ashore to Pig Island where they alerted police. Local authorities were able to locate and arrest 3 suspects. (www.thenational.com.pg)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: On 28 August, seven armed men boarded a small boat on the way to pick up a local priest and nun at Milne Bay. The robbers forced the boat operator into the water and stole the boat. The operator swam ashore and contacted local police. (www.thenational.com.pg)

AUSTRALIA: On 28 August, customs officials searching a cruise ship docked in Sydney Harbor found 210 pounds of cocaine, packed in suit cases, in one passenger cabin. Three passengers, all from Canada, were subsequently arrested. (gCaptain)



NORTH AMERICA:

UNITED STATES: On 30 August, a man from Brooklyn, New York City, New York, appeared in a New Jersey court room, charged with accessing the computer database of a Bayonne, New Jersey shipping company and selling sensitive information to the company’s competitors. The charges indicate that he had disclosed information about incomes, balances, prices, email addresses, phone numbers and contact names in the company. (www.nj.com)

CENTRAL AMERICA - CARIBBEAN - SOUTH AMERICA:

PERU: On 27 August, three robbers armed with guns boarded an anchored bulk carrier near position 12:01S

- 077:10W, Callao Anchorage. One crewman on routine rounds notified the bridge of the robber’s presence before being taken hostage at gunpoint. Alarm was raised, SSAS activated and the crew mustered on the bridge. Hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped. Incident reported to the Callao port control and the coast guard sent a boarding party to investigate. All crew safe. Nothing reported stolen. (IMB)

COSTA RICA: On 19 August, a dinghy and small outboard motor were stolen from a sailing vessel anchored in Golfito Bay. (www.noonsite.com)

GRENADA: On 17 August, robbers boarded a sailing yacht anchored in the Port Louis Marina. They stole a bag containing personal effects and a large amount of cash. (www.noonsite.com)



Weather Forecast for 15 - 21 September 2016 and Graphic Aids to 10-Day Weather Conditions and Small Boat Operations Capabilities

Horn of Africa Weather Forecast for 15 - 21 September 2016

NORTHERN ARABIAN SEA: Variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 3 - 5 feet.

EXTENDED FORECAST: West-southwest winds of 10 - 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and seas of 3 - 5 feet.

GULF OF OMAN: East-southeast winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet in the western section of the Gulf; with east-southeast winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 2 - 4 feet in the eastern section of the Gulf. EXTENDED FORECAST: East-southeast winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet in the western section of the Gulf; with east-southeast winds of 10 - 15 knots and seas of 2 - 4 feet in the eastern section of the Gulf.

GULF OF ADEN: Variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet in the western section of the Gulf; with variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 2 - 4 feet in the eastern section of the Gulf. EXTENDED FORECAST: Variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet in the western section of the Gulf; with variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 2 - 4 feet in the eastern section of the Gulf.

SOMALI COAST: Southwest winds of 20 - 25 knots, gusting to 30 knots, and seas of 8 - 10 feet in the northern section of the coastline; with southwest winds of 15 - 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots, and seas of 6 - 8 feet in the southern section of the coastline. EXTENDED FORECAST: Southwest winds of 20 - 25 knots, gusting to 30 knots, and seas of 5 - 7 feet in the northern section of the coastline; with southwest winds of 15 - 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots, and seas of 6 - 8 feet in the southern section of the coastline.

CENTRAL AFRICAN COAST/INDIAN OCEAN: Southerly winds of 10 - 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and seas of 5 - 7 feet. EXTENDED FORECAST: Southerly winds of 10 - 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and seas of 6 - 8 feet.

MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL: Variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 2 - 4 feet in the northern Channel; with east-southeast winds of 10 - 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots, and seas of 4 - 6 feet in the southern Channel. EXTENDED FORECAST: Variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, and seas of 3 - 5 feet in the northern Channel; with east-southeast winds of 20 - 25 knots, and seas of 6 - 9 feet in the southern Channel.

SURFACE CURRENTS: The northern Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden currents are variable with most areas having an average speed of 1 knot. The Mozambique Channel currents are variable having an average speed of 2 knots. Currents’ speeds along the Somali Basin are northeasterly averaging between 1 - 2 knots.

SYNOPTIC DISCUSSION: The Southwest Monsoon continues to dominate the weather pattern over the Somali Basin and the Arabian Sea. Isolated thunderstorms and rain showers can be routinely expected along the east coast of Africa.



Ten-Day Piracy Small Boat Operations Weather Forecast (Graphic courtesy of the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, FNMOC)In the graphic above, green shading represents a reduced likelihood of pirate activity while red represents a greater likelihood of pirate activity.

Gulf of Guinea Weather Forecast for 15 - 21 September 2016

GULF OF GUINEA: South-southwest winds of 10 - 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and seas of 3 - 5 feet.

EXTENDED FORECAST: South-southwest winds of 10 - 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and seas of 3 - 5 feet.

SYNOPTIC DISCUSSION: Expect partly to mostly cloudy conditions for the Gulf of Guinea with associated rain showers.

Southeast Asia Weather Forecast for 15 - 21 September 2016

Southern South China Sea: Southwest winds of 10 - 15 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet. EXTENDED FORECAST: Southwest winds of 10 - 15 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet.

Malacca Strait: Variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet in the northern Strait; with variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet in the southern Strait. EXTENDED FORECAST: Variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet in the northern Strait; with variable winds of 5 - 10 knots, and seas of 1 - 3 feet in the southern Strait.

Andaman Sea: West-southwest winds of 10 - 15 knots, and seas of 3 - 5 feet in the northern section; with west-southwest winds of 15 - 20 knots, and seas of 4 - 6 feet in the southern section. EXTENDED FORECAST: Southwest winds of 10 - 15 knots, and seas of 3 - 5 feet in the northern section; with southwest winds of 10 - 15 knots, and seas of 6 - 8 feet in the southern section.

SURFACE CURRENTS: Currents in the South China Sea and Malacca Strait average speeds of 1 knot, while currents in the Andaman Sea average 1 to 2 knots.

SYNOPTIC DISCUSSION: Light and variable winds in fair weather will dominate this region just north of the equator. Expect strong gusts in and around scattered thunderstorms and rain showers throughout the Malacca Strait and Andaman Sea due to an increase in daytime heating.



NEWS OF INTERESTMMEA: MALAYSIA’S MARITIME PIRACY FALLS

http://themalaysianreserve.com/new/story/mmea-malaysia%25E2%2580%2599s-maritime-piracy-fallsCHARGES IN AVANT GARDE CASE

http://www.marsecreview.com/2016/09/charges-in-avant-garde-case/MILITANTS ATTACK PIPELINE IN NIGERIA’S DELTA AS OTHERS PURSUE TALKS

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-delta-idUSKCN1151JDHIGH-SEAS PIRACY HITS A TWO-DECADE LOW

http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2016/09/daily-chart-1?fsrc=rssSEA PIRACY CAUSES SHIPOWNERS TO PAY MORE INSURANE ON NIGERIAN WATERS

http://pzimedia.com/energy/Sea-Piracy-Causes-Shipowners-To-Pay-More-Insurane-On-Nigerian-Waters-71706.html/MMEA INSPECTS 20,000 SHIPS, BOATS IN FIGHT AGAINST PIRACY

http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/mmea-inspects-20000-ships-boats-in-fight-against-piracy/10 YEARS OF FIGHTING PIRATES IN ASIA

http://thediplomat.com/2016/09/10-years-of-fighting-pirates-in-asia/HALF-YEAR MARITIME SECURITY REPORT

http://www.go-beyond.co.za/2016/07/28/half-year-maritime-security-report/TROUBLE IN RIVERS AS SEA PIRATES ATTACK BONNY

https://www.naij.com/956551-trouble-rivers-state-people-cry-sea-pirates-ravage-bonny.htmlNIGERIA POLICE SAY THEY’RE CLOSING IN ON KIDNAPPED OIL WORKERS

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-04/nigeria-police-say-they-re-closing-in-on-kidnapped-oil-workersSOMALIA WARNS OF RETURN TO PIRACY

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33822635SEAFARERS’ IMPRISONMENT HIGHLIGHTS PATCHY INTERNATIONAL REGULATION

http://www.ship-technology.com/features/featureseafarers-imprisonment-highlights-patchy-international-regulation-4996170/

IMO SUPPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICAhttp://www.safety4sea.com/%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8bimo-supports-development-in-africa/

SEA PIRATES KILL 4 MARINE POLICEMEN IN RIVERShttps://www.today.ng/news/nigeria/178105/sea-pirates-kill-4-marine-policemen-rivers

HIGH TECH PIRATEShttp://www.marsecreview.com/2016/09/high-tech-pirates/

PIRACY FALLING FAST ACROSS ASIA, FIGURES SHOWhttp://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Piracy-falling-fast-across-Asia-figures-show?page=2

PHILIPPINES TO ALLOW INDONESIA ACCESS TO WATERS TO FIGHT OFF PIRATEShttp://www.oddonion.com/2016/09/09/philippines-to-allow-indonesia-access-to-waters-to-fight-off-pirates/

MARITIME MAYHEMhttp://cyprus-mail.com/2016/09/09/maritime-mayhem/

PIRACY EBBS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WATERS ON LOWER OIL PRICE, BETTER LAW ENFORCEMENThttp://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/piracy-ebbs-in-southeast-asia-waters-on-lower-oil-price-better-law-enforcement/

THREE KIDNAPPED BY GUNMAN IN MALAYSIAhttp://maritime-executive.com/article/three-kidnapped-by-gunman-in-malaysia

PHILIPPINES, INDONESIA JOIN FORCES TO ENHANCE MARITIME SECURITYhttp://www.safety4sea.com/philippines-indonesia-join-forces-to-enhance-maritime-security/

NIGERIAN NAVY COLLABORATES WITH FRENCH NAVY TO FIGHT PIRACYhttp://www.tv360nigeria.com/nigerian-navy-collaborates-french-navy-fight-piracy/

YACHT ROBBERY, PIRACY RISEShttp://www.marsecreview.com/2016/09/yacht-robbery-piracy-rises/

INDONESIA CALLED ON TO JOIN RECAAP IN COMBATING PIRACYhttp://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/indonesia-called-on-to-join-recaap-in-combating-piracy/

OPERATION ATALANTA SPANISH MARITIME PATROL AIRCREW HELP TO KEEP SEAFARERS SAFE FROM THE AIRhttp://eunavfor.eu/operation-atalanta-spanish-maritime-patrol-aircrew-help-to-keep-seafarers-safe-from-the-air/

SOUTHEAST ASIA: WORLD PIRACY HOTBED http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/1089205/southeast-asia-world-piracy-hotbed



MMEA: Malaysia’s maritime piracy falls Premalatha JayaramanThursday, September 1, 2016

In an effort to combat piracy and sea robbery, MMEA has put in various effort such as cooperation with littoral states, networking with regional maritime law enforcement agencies and coordination among various maritime law agencies in Malaysia (Pic: www.mmea.gov.my)

PIRACY and sea robbery cases in Malaysian waters are on the decline in the past year as a result of the ongoing monitoring and surveillance efforts by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

MMEA DG Datuk Seri Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar said that between January and August this year, only one case was reported compared to the eight cases that was recorded a year earlier.

“Piracy and sea robbery cases in Malaysian waters dipped below 3% for the past nine years

and the success is recognised by the international community,” Ahmad Puzi told reporters at the 5th Maritime Institute of Malaysia’s South China Sea conference 2016 entitled a “Reshaping the South China Sea Maritime Agenda” on Tuesday.

In an effort to combat piracy and sea robbery, he said MMEA has put in various efforts such as cooperation with littoral states, networking with regional maritime law enforcement agencies and coordination among various maritime law agencies in Malaysia.

He said other efforts include protection and preservation of the marine environment, while creating awareness among the seafarers, and illegal disposal of a ship’s waste.

Ahmad Puzi said enforcement activities have been fortified to curb illegal activities like smuggling of migrants, contrabands and narcotics as well as transnational crimes.

“These are some of the efforts that would ensure the safety of our waters. Such safety measures are important in the long run to protect the economic activities along our coastal areas.

“If our waters are not safe, it might impact the import and export of the country as well as the economy,” he said, adding that MMEA also received awards in New York and Singapore for its effort in fighting piracy in Malaysian waters.

He said MMEA will continue to ensure the safety of Malaysian waters through the purchase of nine new patrol ships worth RM1.5 billion.

Ahmad Puzi said two of the ships are expected to be delivered this year, while the remaining will be handed over in the next two years.

http://themalaysianreserve.com/new/story/mmea-malaysia%25E2%2580%2599s-maritime-piracy-falls



Charges in Avant Garde casePublished on September 1, 2016 by David Rider ·

Illegal weapons are a serious issue for the private maritime security industry.

Sri Lanka’s Gotabhaya Rajapaksa charged with corruption

One of Sri Lanka’s most controversial politicians has been charged with corruption involving the illegal transfer of state-owned weapons.

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is charged with allowing a private firm to establish a floating armoury.

It is claimed the move deprived the state of more than $75m (£57m).

Mr Rajapaksa, who denies wrongdoing, served as defence secretary during the presidency of his brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, which ended last year.

The charges were filed in a Colombo magistrates court by a special anti-corruption commission.

The discovery of the floating arsenal off southern Sri Lanka, and of another weapons haul in the capital, came in the days after Mahinda Rajapaksa was voted out of office.

Private firm Avant-Garde Security Service said the weapons were for escorting commercial ships, but police said they received complaints that the firearms were used for intimidation.

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has also been dogged by accusations, which he denies, of human rights abuses linked to the final defeat of Tamil Tiger militants in 2009.

Several other members of the Rajapaksa family are also under investigation over alleged corruption.

Earlier this month, Namal Rajapaksa, the eldest son of Mahinda, was arrested on suspicion of money-laundering. He denies wrongdoing.

Namal’s brother, Yoshitha, faces money-laundering charges while Mahinda’s other brother, Basil, the former economic development minister, has been arrested three times over suspected misuse of funds and money-laundering. He is currently on bail.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has promised to investigate claims that members of the Rajapaksa family siphoned off billion of dollars of public money during Mahinda’s nearly 10-year presidency.

The former president, now an opposition lawmaker, has also been heavily criticised over alleged human rights abuses by the Sri Lankan military during a long-running war with Tamil separatists.

Source: bbc.co.uk

http://www.marsecreview.com/2016/09/charges-in-avant-garde-case/



Militants attack pipeline in Nigeria’s Delta as others pursue talksYENAGOA, Nigeria A militant group said on Tuesday it attacked a pipeline operated by a subsidiary of Nigeria’s state oil company in the country’s southern Delta region, just a day after the most prolific rebel group in the restive energy hub said it had halted hostilities.

OPEC member Nigeria has seen its oil output fall by around 700,000 barrels a day to 1.56 million bpd due to attacks on oil pipelines in the southern energy hub, home to much of the country’s oil and gas wealth, since the start of the year.

The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate said it attacked the Ogor-Oteri pipeline in Delta state, operated by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Nigerian energy company Shoreline, at around 03:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Tuesday.

Niger Delta Avengers, the group that claimed responsibility for most attacks in the impoverished region where militants want a greater share of the country’s oil wealth, said on Monday it had halted hostilities.

“The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate remains underailed on its mission to getting justice for the people,” said the group, previously unknown before an attack on Aug. 11.

The group also criticized other militants for participating in talks with the government. It said others had merely sought to “harass the Nigerian state and the oil multinationals into parting with money”.

Community leader Lucky Sorue, chairman of the Urhobo committee on oil and gas, said locals heard an explosion and he visited the blast site early on Tuesday.

“When we visited the scene we saw that the pipeline was badly damaged and blown open with explosives,” he said.

Garba Deen Muhammad, a spokesman for the state oil company NNPC, said the attack was being investigated.

(Reporting by Tife Owolabi and Anamesere Igboeroteonwu; Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram; Editing by Louise Heavens and Susan Thomas)

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nigeria-delta-idUSKCN1151JD



High-seas piracy hits a two-decade low Sep 2nd 2016, 16:34 by THE DATA TEAM

PIRATES, the scourge of the high seas, were mostly kept at bay during the first half of 2016. According to the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre, there were 98 attacks worldwide in the six months to July, the lowest figure in 21 years. Indonesia’s waters remained the most pirate-infested in the world. The sprawling archipelago of 17,000 islands suffered 21 attacks and three attempted attacks. The waters along the coast of Somalia, once a piracy hotspot, have seen a dramatic decline in attacks since 2011. Piracy off Nigeria’s coast, meanwhile, has increased.

The recent decline in global piracy can be attributed in part to better security on ships. For years, the UN’s International Maritime Organisation discouraged boat owners from arming their crews. Ships tried in vain to defend against heavily-armed pirates using little more than diligent watch-keeping and water

cannons. In the mid-2000s, facing rising insurance and ransom costs, shipping companies began employing private security contractors. These firms are increasingly supplied by “floating armouries” to help evade laws that bar crews from bringing weapons into territorial waters.

Better policing of the high seas has also played a part. In 2008, following a spate of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden, America, the European Union and NATO sent a flotilla of warships to patrol the coast of Somalia. The large naval presence today deters all but the most ruthless buccaneers. But “Operation Ocean Shield”, NATO’s counter piracy mission, is scheduled to end in December. Perhaps it is time to batten down the hatches once again.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2016/09/daily-chart-1?fsrc=rss



Sea Piracy Causes Shipowners To Pay More Insurane On Nigerian WatersBy: Lilian Osuagwu 2016-09-01 14:53:30

Nigerian pirates kidnapped 24 crew members in the first half of this year.

Piracy incidents and sea robberies in Nigeria causes Tankers moving through the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa to pay additional insurance premiums.Tankers moving through the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa are paying additional insurance premiums, compared with relatively safe sea lanes, due to escalation of piracy incidents and sea robberies in Nigeria and others.Additional premiums have to be paid by shipowners if their ships move through, load or discharge cargoes from this region, Intertanko’s London-based Marine Director, Phillip Belcher, was quoted by Platts to have said on the sidelines of the International ‘Safety at Sea’ conference in Singapore.

According to him, these premiums have to be paid because Nigeria and a major chunk of the Gulf of Guinea are among the listed areas — for hull war, piracy, terrorism and related perils — of the Joint War Committee of the Lloyd’s Markets Association, which comprises underwriting representatives.Pirate attacks off the coast of Nigeria rose in the first half of the year, while attacks on shipping globally fell to their lowest level for 21 years, according to the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau.Nigerian pirates kidnapped 24 crew members in the first half of this year, up from just 10 in the first six months of 2015, the IMB said.It said these incidents were “increasingly violent”, with Nigerians accounting for eight of the nine incidents worldwide in which ships were fired on in the January-June period.Belcher said all shipowners whose vessels were passing through the Gulf of Guinea had to notify the insurer of the measures being taken to mitigate the risk and accordingly the premiums are finalised on a case by case basis.Nigeria’s problems are not restricted to piracy and offshore robberies alone. According to market sources, West African crude loading has taken a severe beating due to the unrest in Nigeria.A few weeks ago, Shell’s Nigerian unit declared force majeure for Bonny Light crude liftings. A month earlier, the company ended its force majeure due to another leak on the same pipeline, PUNCH reports.

Nigeria’s crude output is at its lowest levels in 30 years. Forcados, Brass River and Qua Iboe grades have all been impacted by dreaded attacks and sabotage by terrorists, according to shipping industry officials and analysts. Compared with the beginning of the year, crude loadings in Nigeria are down by 500,000 barrels per day, they said.Theoretically, this translates into disappearance of demand for one Suezmax every two days or 15 Suezmaxes a month, they added.A Suezmax typically carries one million barrels of crude and is a popular mode for transporting cargoes from West Africa.“We are closely monitoring the situation and will be very concerned if current criminal activities [around Nigeria] become a political football,” said Belcher.A few years ago when piracy in the Gulf of Aden was at its peak, strategic experts had expressed similar concerns over potential linkages with Islamist terrorism in Somalia, though eventually no such major nexus was unravelled.“Governments [in the region] should take all measures to provide security to ships moving in the region and if they can’t, they should allow private agencies to do so,” he said.At least two or three protected anchorages have been set up close to the ports in the Gulf of Guinea where ships are provided security by private armed guards, Belcher said.Countries along the Gulf of Guinea do not permit private armed guards from outside on board the ships when they are in their territorial waters.

http://pzimedia.com/energy/Sea-Piracy-Causes-Shipowners-To-Pay-More-Insurane-On-Nigerian-Waters-71706.html/



MMEA Inspects 20,000 Ships, Boats In Fight Against Piracyin Piracy and Security News 31/08/2016

From January to Aug 29, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) checked almost 20,000 boats and ships in combating piracy in local waters.

MMEA director-general, Maritime Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar said inspections and 24-hour patrols were conducted with the focus on areas suspected to be targets of pirates.

“Among the focus areas are the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea and the Straits of Melaka.

“Through the checks, the MMEA has been able to detect and prevent unwanted elements, and not just pirate attacks, but also smuggling activities,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 5th MIMA South China Sea Conference themed ‘Reshaping the South China Sea Maritime Agenda’, here, today.

MIMA is the acronym for the Maritime Institute of Malaysia.

Ahmad Fuzi said the MMEA inspected more than 33,000 ships and boats last year.

“Arising from that, this year, the MMEA has not received any report of any pirate attempt on ships in Malaysian waters. This shows that the presence of MMEA members in national waters had a positive impact,” he said.

Besides checking the vessels, MMEA also collaborated with enforcement bodies of neighbouring countries in information-sharing and joint training exercises to boost security in the region.

The two-day MIMA South China Sea Conference is attended by 100 representatives from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, France, China and Pakistan.

There are paper presentations by noted experts on current and regional issues involving the Straits of Melaka.Source: Bernama

http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/mmea-inspects-20000-ships-boats-in-fight-against-piracy/



10 Years of Fighting Pirates in AsiaAs ReCAAP marks its 10th anniversary, a look back at the achievements. By Prakash Panneerselvam September 01, 2016

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian A. Stone/Released

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Center (ISC) in Singapore. In those ten years, ReCAAP ISC has grown into a true multilateral organization comprising 20 nations across globe working toward the safety and security of the maritime commons. Information sharing and confidence building measures between law enforcement agencies have made a tangible contribution to anti-piracy efforts; ReCAAP ISC has achieved a great deal in reversing the rising trend in piracy incidents in the region.

ReCAAP ISC came into existence due to increased incidents of piracy, armed robbery, and hijacking of ships in Southeast Asian waterways. Launched in November 2006, ReCAAP ISC was officially recognized as an international organization in January 2007. At that time, it was a major diplomatic challenge for Southeast Asian countries and extra-regional powers to establish a multilateral forum primarily to share information related to piracy incidents in the region. ReCAAP ISC’s adherence to jurisdictional rights exercised by the littoral states adds value to anti-piracy efforts, and makes operations transparent to all ReCAAP signatories.

Key Features of ReCAAP ISC

The ReCAAP framework enables the sharing of information using the “ISC Focal Points Network,” contributing to the success of anti-piracy activities. Each ReCAAP signatory designates a Focal Point to be point of contact for the ISC. Generally, maritime law enforcement agencies of signatory countries served as ReCAAP Focal Points. Designated ReCAAP Focal Points have major responsibilities, including managing piracy and armed robbery within their respective country’s territorial waters or waters within their jurisdiction; acting as a point of information exchange with the ISC; facilitating their home country’s law enforcement investigations; and coordinating surveillance and enforcement activities aimed at countering piracy and armed robbery with neighboring Focal Points.

ReCAAP ISC, as the central monitoring unit, collects information from one Focal Point and shares with the rest of the Focal Points to enhance the countries’ capabilities to conduct anti-piracy activities. The role of ReCAAP ISC is to ensure that detailed information reaches all levels through the ISC Focal Points Network without delay.



At the same time, Focal Point work to integrate law enforcement agencies with the other maritime industries.

The ISC Focal Points Network performs as a web in collecting and sharing information. Moreover, ReCAAP ISC allows any contracting party to request another contracting party to take appropriate law enforcement action; such a request shall be made directly to the other party. The agreement obligates all signatories “to prevent and suppress piracy and armed robbery against ships,” including arresting perpetrators, seizing ships used for piracy, and rescuing victims. These features enable each nation to be confident in coordinating anti-piracy activity.

Achievements

ReCAAP ISC’s coordination with law enforcement and shipping companies has encouraged ship captains to report piracy incidents to the ISC. The recent case of the oil tanker Hai Soon 12, which was hijackedwith 21 crew members on board, was a classic example of how the Focal Points and ReCAAP ISC work to defeat the pirates. The Kiribati-registered tanker Hai Soon 12 was reportedly hijacked by a group of armed pirates on May 8, 2016 near Singapore. Upon receipt of the information, ReCAAP ISC alerted Focal Points to be on the look out for the hijacked tanker. Based on the shared information, on May 9 the Indonesian Navy intercepted the Hai Soon 12, arrested all the pirates on board and freed the crew.

The Hai Soon 12 incident demonstrated the significance of information sharing and coordination of ReCAAP ISC with Focal Points. International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers, possible routes for pirates to escape, and assessments on previous incidents shared via the information sharing network helped ReCAAP Focal Points and respective countries to initiative their own anti-piracy operations. In addition, ReCAAP conducts exercises, training programs, workshops, and regular meetings as a part of confidence building measures. These initiatives together help to build confidence among ReCAAP members to further pursue anti-piracy operations.

Despite strong initiatives, however, the region remains vulnerable to piracy and armed robbery. In 2015 alone, there were 200 reported incidents in the region. In 2016 between January and July, a total of 47 incidents were reported; this represent a significant decrease compared to January-July 2015, when 126 incidents were reported. Pointing out the emerging trend in the region, Don Pramudwinai, Thailand’s minister of foreign affairs, speaking on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of ReCAAP ISC, says the situation would have been even worse without ReCAAP ISC. For example, he notes that severe incidents such as hijackings, cargo theft, and kidnapping crews for ransom have declined over the years as the result of effective coordination through ReCAAP ISC. Andrew Tan, chief executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), notes that “it may not be possible to completely eradicate such incidences” but government can works to “minimize them instead.”

Sailing Ahead

The ReCAAP ISC framework was not only in instrumental curbing piracy incidents in the region, but also played an import role in laying the foundation for the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC). In 2011, ReCAAP ISC joined hands with the IMO in setting up the DCoC ISC. It is noteworthy to point out that the DCoC emulates ReCAAP in many ways, including governance, creation of the secretariat, and the decision making process. The new partnership between DCoC ISC and ReCAAP ISC allows members to share piracy information across as wide an area as possible.

The ReCAAP ISC framework has also convinced political leaders that the only effective way to deal with piracy and armed robbery is through cooperation. Since territorial sensitivity is one of the major concerns in the region, the future success of ReCAAP ISC lies in maintaining its neutrality in the regional affairs so that this cooperation can continue.

In conclusion, no nation, not even ReCAAP ISC, has all the resources necessary to combat piracy in the region. The most effective means to put an end to the menace is through cooperation and information sharing between regional and extra-regional powers. As an international organization, ReCAAP ISC has played a pivotal role in bridging the gaps in information sharing between nations and helps in coordinating between different agencies dealing with maritime safety and security.

Prakash Panneerselvam is Post-Doctoral Associate at the International Strategic and Security Studies Program, National Institute of Advance Studies, Bengaluru, India.

http://thediplomat.com/2016/09/10-years-of-fighting-pirates-in-asia/



Half-Year Maritime Security ReportSea / by Hellmann Africa / Jul 28, 2016

Global risk and consultancy firm Control Risks has released an infographic exposing a significant decline in maritime security incidents globally (24%) in 2016, compared with the same period in 2015.

According to Control Risks, the big decrease has been driven by a massive 61% decline in cases in South-east Asia, where incidents of piracy and armed robbery have reached their lowest point since 2009.

Very low levels of criminal activity continue across the Horn of Africa and a decline was also registered in South and Central America. This has contributed further to the decrease in overall maritime security incidents worldwide.

Despite this, 96% of all maritime security incidents globally were related to piracy and armed robbery, showing that this threat in particular continues to be a key concern in all regions except Europe, where there were no recorded incidents.

In European ports and waters, cases of maritime activism were the number one operational risk, contributing to 57% of all incidents globally.

Documents

Weekly Maritime Security Report - uc-global.com control informed. ... Location detail: Dumai Inner Anchorage Narrations: 08.09.2016: 0345 LT: Posn: 01:41.8N – 101:29.7E, Dumai Inner