In MSC’s 101st session several topics were discussed including the security risk posed by pircay and armed robbery in ships. Based on latest piracy statistics MSC put forward some insights for shipowners in this regard which has been published in the official press briefing on the IMO website.
Here’s an excerpt from it.
9% Increase in Piracy
The MSC noted the latest figures on piracy and armed robbery against ships based on reports received by IMO.
In 2018, 223 incidents occurred worldwide as compared to 204 incidents reported in 2017, an increase of about 9% at the global level. So far in 2019, incidents in West and Central African waters have accounted for about half of all reported incidents.
Diligently Apply the Counter Piracy Guidance
The MSC reminded companies, masters and seafarers to continue the diligent application of existing IMO guidance and the revised Best Management Practices (BMP) guidance as well as the new Global Counter Piracy Guidance and the updated guidance for protection against piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea region contained in MSC.1/Circ.1601 on Revised industry counter piracy guidance.
Flag States To Monitor Threat
The MSC also invited Member States to continue to provide naval assets; and flag States to continue to monitor the threat to ships flying their flag and set appropriate security levels in accordance with the ISPS Code.
Capacity Building in Gulf of Guinea
Activities to support capacity building in the Gulf of Guinea were noted. It was also noted that the IMO Secretariat is an active participant in the international Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG) group under the G7++ framework. This group is open to all interested Member States, NGOs and IGOs.
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Source: IMO
