Web alert: use of Lagos Secure Anchorage Area approved by Nigerian Government agencies

The club has been advised that the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) off Lagos, Nigeria is approved by all Nigerian Government agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Port Authority and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
 
The Lagos SAA is a protected zone approximately 10nm south-west of the Lagos Channel, with a centre point of 006°17’18’’N and 003°12’00’’E. The SAA is spherical in shape and either 3 or 5nm in diameter depending on need. The SAA is buffered by a ‘Maritime Exclusion Zone’ 2nm in size which is patrolled by armed marine vessels. The SAA is subject to a 24-hour watch system and aims to provide an additional layer of security for vessels calling at the region. 
 
The club continues to recommend that members calling at ports or areas subject to the threat of piracy or armed robbery, exercise caution. Members should comply with Best Management Practices 4 in all affected areas, as well as related guidance. For the Gulf of Guinea region, members should take into account the Interim Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for Protection Against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region which was updated in October 2014.