Introduction to Piracy and Armed Robbery

Piracy and armed robbery threats against ships are among the modern-day challenges found within the maritime industry. These threats are dynamic and prevalent in many parts of the world. Most incidents occur in South East Asia and Indiana Sub-Continent, South and Central America and the Caribbean water, and the Gulf of Guinea West Africa, and recent threats have been noted especially off the West African coast.

These attacks keep reminding the industry about the violence of such actions and the extreme hazards faced by those onboard including the dangers of loss of life. It is therefore of utmost importance for crew and shipmasters to have a knowledge of the reporting systems and assistance in place, and additionally understand the procedures to be followed to avoid such threats or deal with them in the most efficient way to prevent any damage to life, the ship, and the environment. Ships have been reported to be hijacked for various reasons such as for a ransom payment to release captive seafarers or for theft of cargo.

Various reports indicate that some seafarers have even been held hostage for several years, and experience shows that applying the procedures highlighted in the specific ship security plan (SSP) and having properly trained and briefed personnel, will assist the ship to detect, avoid, deter or even delay the attacks.