The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator has issued an alert highlighting the resurgence of Somali-based piracy in the Indian Ocean to inform vessels of the increased risks and provide recommended precautions for enhanced security.
As RMI warns, activity indicative of Somali-based piracy has re-emerged in the Indian Ocean Region. Since November 2023, multiple merchant vessels and fishing dhows have been approached, fired-upon, and hijacked off the coast of Somalia. While these events were first attributed to local fishery disputes, it now appears that these hijacked dhows are being used as pirate motherships in the Indian Ocean (including the GoA and Arabian Sea).
Recent Somali-based piracy and armed robbery against ships incidents have included the successful hijacking of well over a dozen fishing dhows and small boats, the attempted boarding of three merchant vessels (one tanker and two bulk carriers), and the successful hijacking of two bulk carriers. This is in addition to multiple reported sightings of suspected piratical activity or pirate action groups in the Indian Ocean Region.
The RMI Maritime Administrator suspects that the hijacked fishing dhows are meant to be utilized as pirate motherships, enabling the pirates to travel long distances to carry out attacks. The one successful hijacking of a merchant vessel occurred approximately 600 nautical miles (nm) off the Somali coast in the Arabian Sea. Attempted boardings and other suspected piratical activity have been reported up to approximately 900nm off the Somali coast.
Risk mitigation considerations
Vessels should take the following precautions when operating in the Indian Ocean Region:
- Based on recent incidents and the reports of suspected pirate action groups in the region, it is recommended that ships remain at least 600nm off the coast of Somalia (if practicable). This advice is subject to revision as trends develop.
- Review and implement industry BMP guidelines (as practicable).
- Undertake a thorough pre-voyage threat and risk assessment.
- Review the Ship Security Plan and amend, if necessary, after performing the pre-voyage security threat and risk assessment.
- Conduct security drills/exercises prior to entering areas of increased risk.
- Maintain a full and vigilant bridge watch for small craft approaching.
In accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Regulation V/34-1, Masters shall not be prevented from using professional judgment to make decisions necessary for safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment. The Master’s discretion includes the ability to switch off the vessel’s automatic identification system if it is thought that doing so will reduce threats to vessel safety or security.
