Piracy

Any suspected or actual piracy or armed robbery should be reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre immediately (+60 3 2031 0014, 24/7). Also notify UKMTO for Gulf of Aden/Indian Ocean, MDAT-GoG for Gulf of Guinea.

Step-by-step

1. Trigger the SSA (Ship Security Alert), if fitted and legal.
2. Report to IMB Piracy Reporting Centre by phone and email ([email protected]).
3. Notify UKMTO on VHF 08 or phone +971 50 552 3215 for Gulf of Aden.
4. For Gulf of Guinea, notify MDAT-GoG via +33 2 98 22 88 88.
5. Follow BMP5 (Best Management Practices, 5th edition) countermeasures — citadel, evasive manoeuvres, razor wire.

Evidence to save

• Position + course + speed at time of suspect contact (logged every 5 min)
• Vessel descriptions (number, type, approach pattern, weapons visible)
• Photographs and AIS screen capture if safe to take
• Audio recordings of any radio contact
• Crew accounts of who saw what, with timestamps

What NOT to sign

• Any release / waiver to a third-party 'rescue' or 'negotiator' without P&I + flag-state approval
• Statements to anyone other than flag-state authorities + the master's lawyer post-incident

Legal basis

UNCLOS Art. 100–107 (piracy on the high seas). SUA Convention.

Primary sources

• ICC IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (Kuala Lumpur, 24/7)
• UKMTO — Voluntary Reporting Area (Gulf of Aden / Indian Ocean)
• MDAT-GoG — Maritime Domain Awareness for the Gulf of Guinea
• BMP5 — Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy

Organisations that can help

• IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (Kuala Lumpur)
  Global · 24/7
  📞 +60 3 2031 0014
• UKMTO Dubai (Indian Ocean / Gulf of Aden)
  Middle East · 24/7
  📞 +971 50 552 3215
• MDAT-GoG (Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade — Gulf of Guinea)
  Africa · 24/7
  📞 +33 2 98 22 88 88
• IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
  Global · 24/7
  📞 +60 3 2031 0014

Disclaimer. General information only — not legal advice. Rules vary by flag state, port state, vessel type, applicable CBA, and contract. For specific cases, contact ITF, ISWAN, your union, or a maritime lawyer.