Web Alert: Caution for vessels transiting to West Africa

Members should be aware that there have recently been reports of a security breach in the Maritime Trade Information Sharing Centre, Gulf of Guinea (MTISC-GoG), resulting in information being leaked to individuals with the intent and capability to launch hijackings in the area.

While this breach has not yet been formally confirmed, it is strongly advised that vessels should use caution when reporting to MTISC GoG.

BIMCO have advised that the company risk assessments and vessel hardening procedures described in the 'Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for Protection against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region' should continue to be followed. These can be downloaded through this link.

BIMCO have recommended that 'vessels entering the vessel reporting area for West Africa should continue to register with MTISC GoG in order to receive incident reports, but limit the provision of any information which would allow vessels to be identified or tracked.  This will allow continuity of shipping security in the region.'

General guidance on admiralty security related information for mariners can be found on the UK’s Hydrographic Office website which also provides a maritime security chart.