Information Fusion Centre (IFC) issued its latest infographic, providing a summary of incidents against ships in the Singapore Strait since 30 May 2022.
According to the infographic, there were a total of 3 new incidents that happened since May. The majority of the incidents occurred in the Eastbound Lane of Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) within the Singapore Strait in hours of darkness.
Of note, in one incident, perpetrators reportedly carried a gun-like object. In most cases, there was no confrontation, and perpetrators fled upon being sighted, and no items reported stolen.
Perpetrators usually:
- Use small boats, and approached targeted vessels from the stern;
- Were usually in a group 4-6 max, but avoided confrontation, opting to flee immediately upon being sighted by crew;
- Targeted slow-moving vessels (7-12 knots) with low freeboard.
Recommendations
- Remain vigilant, particularly when transiting the areas of concern in the Phillip Channel, and off Bintan and Batam;
- Adopt Ship Protection Measures recommended in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia, e.g., (1) turn on weather deck lighting around the accommodation block and rear facing lighting on the poop deck, (2) maintain an all-round lookout at an elevated position with focus on suspicious small craft(s) approaching or in proximity to the ship’s aft, and (3) sound ship’s alarm when suspicious small craft(s) sighted;
- Participate in Voluntary Community Reporting as depicted in 4th Edition MARSEC Charts Q6112 and Q6113; upon sighting of suspicious activities, immediately report to local authorities.
