Information Fusion Centre (IFC) issued its latest infographic, providing a summary of incidents against ships in the Singapore Strait as of 20 May 2022.
According to the infographic, there were a total of 5 new incidents that happened since April. The majority of the incidents occurred in the Eastbound Lane of Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) within the Singapore Strait in hours of darkness.
Based on the incident reports, in most cases, perpetrators attempted to board vessel from the aft, avoided confrontation, and fled immediately upon being sighted by crew.
Perpetrators usually:
- Are in group of average 4-6 pax;
- Use small boats
- Target 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 and inform the IFC.
