The ReCAAP ISC (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre) has indeed reported five incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia during the week of June 17-23, 2025
Area of Concern
The Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) continues to be an area of significant concern for maritime security. A total of 77 incidents have been reported in the SOMS since January 2025. The ReCAAP ISC (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia – Information Sharing Centre) advises ships transiting this area to exercise enhanced vigilance. Furthermore, they urge the littoral States (coastal states) to increase patrols and enforcement in these waters to deter criminal activity.
Situation Update
For the fifth consecutive year, no incidents of crew abduction have been reported in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and the waters off Eastern Sabah, with the last such incident occurring on January 17, 2020. This sustained improvement led the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with various stakeholders, to downgrade the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom’ in this area to ‘LOW’ in January 2025. This indicates that no imminent attacks are expected.
ReCAAP ISC Advisory
Following the positive development in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, the ReCAAP ISC issued an advisory on February 14, 2025. This advisory counsels ships to “exercise vigilance when transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and report incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).” It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining communication with the relevant authorities while transiting the area.
Recommendations for Ship Masters and Crew
To enhance maritime security and safety, the ReCAAP ISC provides the following recommendations for ship masters and crew:
- Report All Incidents: Report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State. For contact details, refer to the “Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia” published by the ReCAAP ISC.
- Exercise Vigilance and Adopt Preventive Measures: Maintain high vigilance and implement appropriate preventive measures. Guidance for these measures can be found in the “Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia,” also produced by the ReCAAP ISC.
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Source: Safety4sea
