Over the past week, from April 15th to 21st, 2025, the ReCAAP ISC (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia – Information Sharing Centre) reported two CAT 3 incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia, reports Safety4sea.
Area Of Concern
With the two recent incidents in the Singapore Strait (SS), the total number of reported incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2025 has now reached 41.
In light of this increased activity, the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) reiterates its strong advisory for ships transiting the SOMS to exercise enhanced vigilance and maintain a heightened state of alert.
Furthermore, the ReCAAP ISC continues to urge the littoral States bordering the SOMS to increase their patrols and enforcement activities within these crucial waterways to deter further incidents and ensure the safety and security of navigation.
Updating Advisory
Following the downgrading of the threat level for “abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas,” the ReCAAP ISC updated its advisory on February 14, 2025. The current advisory for ships transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas is to “exercise vigilance… and report incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).”
Additionally, ships are advised to maintain communication with the relevant authorities while transiting this area. This updated advisory reflects the reduced, but not eliminated, risk in the region and emphasises the importance of continued vigilance and reporting.
Recommendations Given
Ship masters and crew are reminded of the established protocols for reporting all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships. They are instructed to report such incidents to both the nearest coastal State and their flag State, utilizing the contact details provided in the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
Furthermore, to enhance their safety and security, ship masters and crew are strongly advised to exercise vigilance and implement appropriate preventive measures, taking guidance from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia, both of which are resources produced by the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC). These resources provide valuable information and best practices for mitigating the risks of piracy and armed robbery.
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Source: Safety4sea
