Web Alert: Piracy – New anti-piracy guide for tankers operating in Asia

In view of the increase of cargo related thefts in Asia, The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) together with The Republic of Singapore Navy’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) and the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) have recently published The Guide for Tankers Operating in Asia against Piracy and Armed Robbery Involving Oil Cargo Theft to help with the prevention of piracy attacks on tanker vessels operating in Asia.

Due to the continued incidence of oil cargo thefts and related piracy attacks in Asia the guide aims to assist ships to avoid, deter or delay piracy related incidents as well as provide guidance on post incident management.

Between 2011 and early 2016 there has been a general increase in the number of cargo theft incidents in Asia with more than 35 oil cargo theft occurrences during this time, the majority of which have taken place in the South China Sea.

The guidelines, which can be found here, make a number of detailed recommendations to ship managers as well as the Master and crew.

While the guide will serve as a useful tool in combating cargo related robberies and piracy attacks against tankers in particular, the guidance is also relevant and can be applied to other types of vessels.

Should members require any further information they can of course contact our Loss Prevention team, or their usual point of contact.