The ReCAAP ISC (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia) has reported four incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia during the week of June 10-16, 2025. All four incidents were classified as Category 3 (CAT 3).
Area Of Concern
The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) has issued an advisory regarding the maritime security situation, particularly focusing on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) and the Sulu-Celebes Seas.
Incidents in SOMS: Four recent incidents in the Singapore Strait (SS) have contributed to a total of 72 incidents reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2025. This indicates a concerning trend in armed robbery and piracy in this vital shipping lane. Consequently, the ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS. They also urge the littoral States (the countries bordering the straits) to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas to deter further incidents.
Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters off Eastern Sabah: In positive news, for the fifth consecutive year, there has been no report of an incident involving the abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and the waters off Eastern Sabah. The last such incident occurred on January 17, 2020. This sustained improvement has led to a significant change in the threat assessment for this region.
In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with other stakeholders and counterparts, officially downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ to ‘LOW’.
Recommendations Given
To ensure maritime safety and security in Asia, the ReCAAP ISC (Information Sharing Centre) provides clear guidelines for ship masters and crew regarding incidents of piracy and armed robbery:
Reporting Incidents:
- Ship masters and crew are mandated to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to both the nearest coastal State and their respective flag State.
- For contact details of relevant authorities across Asia, they should refer to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, which is produced by the ReCAAP ISC.
Preventive Measures:
- In addition to reporting, vessels are advised to exercise vigilance when transiting areas prone to such incidents.
- They should also adopt appropriate preventive measures by taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia, another valuable resource produced by the ReCAAP ISC. This guide offers practical advice and best practices to avoid, deter, or delay attacks and prevent unauthorized boardings.
These directives emphasize the importance of timely information sharing and proactive risk mitigation to enhance maritime security in the Asian region.
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Source: Safety4sea
