For 6 August – 12 August 2014
The NATO Shipping Centre has issued its Weekly Piracy Assessment for reporting period 6 August – 12 August 2014 as follows:
Masters are advised to remain vigilant at all times inside the High Risk Area (HRA) and follow the guidance and protective measures, as set down in BMP4.
Sailing Yachts
Sailing yachts should avoid transiting the HRA. Past activity has shown that pirates will attack both large and small yachts passing their way. Despite the fact that attacks on merchant vessels appear to have decreased, the possibility of attacks and the successful pirating of sailing vessels remains likely due to their vulnerability and the reduction of revenue sources from pirated merchant vessels.
Reporting
In accordance with BMP 4, following any piracy attack or suspicious activity it is vital that a detailed report of the event is provided to UKMTO and MSCHOA. The format of the report can be found at annex D to BMP 4. These reports constitute extremely valuable contributions to a better understanding of the pattern of life in the region and to the Maritime Situational Awareness, elements that are in the foundation of the advice that Counter-Piracy forces deliver to merchantmen.
When reporting, information should be complete, in particular reports to include any piracy related equipment / weapons (ladders / RPGs). Many of these incidents have been assessed as non-piracy related activity and are associated with common patterns of life in the area. These activities include fishing, small vessel trade, smuggling and other local vessel movements.
Weather in the High Risk Area
The southwest monsoon continues to dominate the area with gusty winds and high waves. With waves off the east coast of Somalia up to 4 m and gusty winds up to 35 knots, unfavourable conditions from SW monsoon are expected to continue – single skiffs and whalers might find it difficult to operate.
Source: NATO Shipping Centre