“All vessels are advised to report all piracy and armed robbery incidents and suspicious sightings to local Authorities, their flag state and to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre as per IMO Cir 1334.”
Check This Out
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre can be contacted at
WhatsApp / Telegram:
+60 11 2659 3057
(Photograph or video submission encouraged)
Tel: +60 3 2078 5763
24 Hours Anti-Piracy HELPLINE is: +60 3 2031 0014
Mariners should exercise caution and follow all guidelines when transiting the following areas:
SOUTH EAST ASIA AND INDIAN SUB CONTINENT
Bangladesh: Most incidents are reported at anchorages and their approaches. The number of incidents in Bangladesh has decreased significantly in recent years due to the efforts of the authorities. However, there has been a recent increase in incidents at Chattogram/Chittagong anchorage. Maintain a strict watch. The IMB PRC is monitoring the situation.
Indonesia: Belawan / Batam and surrounding waters. Pirates / robbers are normally armed with guns / knives and / or machetes. Generally, be vigilant in other areas in Indonesian waters. Many incidents may have gone unreported. Pirates / robbers normally approach vessels during the night. When spotted and alarm is sounded, the pirates / robbers usually escape without confronting the crew. A strict anti-piracy watch during the night is recommended.
Meetings and continued dialogue between the Indonesian Marine Police (IMP) and the IMB PRC resulted in positive actions by the Indonesian authorities, who have so far brought down the number of incidents significantly. With the assistance and actions of the IMP, the incidents appear to be curtailed.
The Indonesian Marine Police have advised all ships intending to anchor to do so at / near the following areas where Indonesian Marine Police will conduct patrols for greater protection:
(After IMP-IMB started the cooperation, since 2014, no incident has been reported in the Adang Bay region. With this in view, in March 2021, IMP has decided to replace Adang Bay with Tanjung Butan at 01:11.30N – 104:12.30E as Singapore Straits and surrounding waters are now considered as risky waters).
- Belawan: 03:55.00N-098:45.30E
- Dumai: 01:42.00N-101:28.00E
- Nipah: 01:07.30N-103:37.00E
- Tanjung Berakit/Bintan: 01:23.30N-104:42.30E
- Tanjung Priok: 06:00.30S-106:54.00E
- Gresik: 07:09.00S-112:40.00E
- Taboneo: 03:41.30S-114:28.00E
- Tanjung Butan: 01:11.30N-104:12.30E (effective 12 March 2021)
- Muara Berau: 00:17.00S-117:36.00E
- Balikpapan: 01:22.00S-116:53.00E
The Indonesian authorities have advised IMB that in accordance with the Road Map Program Police Reforms Wave III, the above given ten locations prevention action of sea robbery / piracy in Indonesian waters will continue until further notice.
Vessels are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures and report all incidents and suspicious sightings to the local authorities and to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. The IMB PRC will also liaise with the local authorities to render necessary assistance.
Malacca Straits: Although the number of incidents has dropped substantially due to increased and aggressive patrols by the littoral states’ authorities since July 2005, vessels are advised to continue maintaining strict anti-piracy / robbery watches at night when transiting the Straits. Currently, there are no indications as to how long these patrols will continue or when they will be reduced. In some cases, incidents may have gone unreported. Situation currently remains stable as only one incident was reported in 2024 and so far, none in 2025.
Malaysia: Past incidents reported at/off Bandar Penawar and off Tanjung Piai, Johor. Though incidents have stopped, the IMB PRC is monitoring the situation and will liaise with the Malaysian Authorities / MMEA as needed.
In / off Eastern Sabah – kidnapping of merchant ship’s crew by ASG has stopped for several years due to the actions by the Malaysian and Philippines Authorities. Last kidnapping incident was reported in January 2020. It was reported that several ASG militants had been captured / killed by the authorities. Although the incidents have stopped, the waters remain moderately risky.
Vessels are advised to continue to take precautionary measures and maintain anti-piracy watch and measures especially at night. Vessels transiting these waters should refer to the Sabah Notice to Mariners NTM 14 of 2017 on the Ship Reporting System. Vessels are also urged to monitor the IMB PRC Warnings on any potential incidents / targets / description of any militant boats issued on behalf of the Philippines and Malaysian Intel Agencies.
Philippines: In / off Sibutu passage / off Sibutu island / Tawi Tawi / Sulu Sea / Celebes Sea / off eastern Sabah – past incidents included crew kidnappings. These kidnapping incidents have stopped for several years due to the actions by the Malaysian and Philippines Authorities. Last kidnapping incident was reported in January 2020. It was reported that several ASG militants had been captured / killed by the authorities. Although the incidents have stopped, the waters remain moderately risky.
Vessels are advised to continue to take precautionary measures and maintain anti-piracy watch and measures especially at night. Vessels transiting these waters should refer to the Sabah Notice to Mariners NTM 14 of 2017 on the Ship Reporting System. Vessels are also urged to monitor the IMB PRC Warnings on any potential incidents / targets / description of any militant boats issued on behalf of the Philippines and Malaysian Intel Agencies.
Manila: Be vigilant. Several past incidents / robberies have been reported.
Singapore Straits: A General Warning first issued in December 2019 indicating a sudden rise in incidents in Singapore Straits especially, during the night is still valid. The incidents are still occurring to date. It appears that one or more groups are targeting passing ships, including tugs / barges to rob them. Authorities have been notified and are aware of the situation. Vessels are advised to remain vigilant and to continue maintaining adequate watches and measures. Robbers board vessels while underway or while at anchor especially during the night. Robbers will abort and move away when the alarm is sounded, and the authorities notified. Therefore, a strict watch is necessary.
South China Sea: Although incidents have stopped in the vicinity off Tioman / off Pulau Aur / off Anambas / Natuna / Mangkai islands / Subi Besar / Merundung areas, vessels are advised to continue to remain vigilant, especially during the night. In the past, several hijackings of small product tankers occurred off the coast of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and in the South China Sea area. This trend started in April 2014, but the hijackings stopped abruptly in late 2015. It has been reported that some criminals have been arrested by local authorities both in Malaysia and in Indonesia. There were three incidents reported in 2017 where two tankers were hijacked off Kuantan / Off Pulau Aur / East coast Malaysia. The IMB continues to monitor the situation in these waters.
WEST AFRICA (Gulf of Guinea)
As a general rule:
(i) Follow recommendations and guidelines presented in the BMP WA.
(ii) All crews to keep a vigilant lookout using all available means. Ships advised to adjust ETA for direct berthing or wait / drift / transit more than 300nm from the coast, if appropriate and agreed by all in venture. Past incidents reported up to 300nm from the coast.
Angola (Luanda): Incidents of robberies reported. Be vigilant and maintain watch.
Benin (Cotonou): In 2024, a fishing vessel captain was kidnapped at Cotonou anchorage. Previous incidents in the area involved crew kidnappings by well-armed and violent pirates / robbers. These pirates / robbers have robbed vessels and abducted crews for ransom. Tankers were also hijacked in the past, with part of their cargo, such as gas oil, stolen. While these incidents have ceased since 2022, vessels are still advised to remain vigilant and implement strict security measures.
Cameroon (Douala): Stay alert due to previous incidents such as vessels being fired upon while at anchor and crew members being kidnapped.
Equatorial Guinea: In 2024, there were two incidents off Bioko Island. One occurred approximately 28nm from the island, and the other around 45nm, resulting in the kidnapping of ship crew members. Additionally, two more incidents were reported about 80nm west of Bata, with one involving gunfire and the other a boarding. In 2025, one incident reported 40nm off Bata where ship was attacked but crew managed to escaped by hiding in citadel.
Gabon (Port Gentil / Owendo anchorage): In 2024, one incident was reported at the anchorage. Previous crew kidnappings occurred over 70nm offshore.
Ghana (Takoradi): Two incidents occurred in 2024 and one in 2025 at Takoradi anchorages. Previous incidents have been reported in the area. Maintain strict watches.
Guinea (Conakry): One robbery incident reported in 2024, with previous incidents of robberies reported at anchorages.
Ivory Coast (Abidjan): Incidents reported at anchorage. Maintain watch.
Nigeria (Lagos / Apapa, Off Bayelsa / Brass / Bonny Island / Port Harcourt): Pirates / robbers in Nigerian waters are armed, violent, and have attacked vessels and kidnapped crews near or far from the coast. Incidents have occurred up to 300nm from shore. All waters off Nigeria are considered high-risk, with a significant threat of kidnapping for ransom. Vessels should remain vigilant as some incidents may go unreported. Tankers have been hijacked in the past, with cargo theft, particularly of gas oil. Extra precautions are recommended for vessels operating in these dangerous waters.
Incidents in Nigeria have decreased significantly, but vessels should remain vigilant as waters are still dangerous.
Togo (Lome): Incidents of robbery and kidnapping of crews in Togo have ceased since 2021. However, vessels are still advised to remain vigilant and implement strict security measures due to past attacks at Togo anchorage, where tankers were hijacked and part of their cargo stolen.
The Congo: Incidents have ceased. Previous incidents were reported off Pointe Noire.
Sao Tome & Principe: Incidents involved vessel hijackings, attacks, and crew kidnappings. One recent incident in 2025 occurred where a ship was hijacked, and crew kidnapped. Vessels are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures. Waters remain risky for fishing and merchant vessels.
Sierra Leone: (off Turtle Islands). There was one reported hijacking incident in the past.
EAST AFRICA / GOA / RED SEA
Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Somalia / Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean: In 2024, eight piracy incidents and hijackings reported off Somalia / Gulf of Aden. On 14 December 2023 the first successful hijacking of a merchant vessel by Somali pirates since 2017 was reported. Somali pirates have the capability to target vessels over 1000nm from coast using mother vessels. In 2025, two fishing vessels and a dhow were hijacked.
The recent successful incidents demonstrate the continued capabilities of these criminals. Vessels are advised to be vigilant, maintain strict anti-piracy watch and adhere to the recommendations in the latest BMP, while transiting in these waters. The IMB PRC will continue to alert and broadcast information to all ships in the region via GMDSS Safety Net Service.
In the past, Somali pirates have conducted their acts in waters off the southern Red Sea / Bab El Mandeb, Gulf of Aden including Yemen and the northern Somali coast, Arabian sea / off Oman, Gulf of Oman and off the eastern and southern Somali coast. Vessels have also been targeted off Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique, as well as in the Indian ocean and off the west and south coasts of India and west Maldives.
Generally, Somali pirates tend to be well armed with automatic weapons and RPGs. They sometimes use skiffs launched from mother vessels, which may be hijacked fishing vessels or dhows. Masters and ship owners are encouraged to register their vessel and report as per the latest BMP procedures, ensure their vessel is hardened prior to entering these waters and to maintain a 24-hour visual and radar watch. Keeping in mind the warnings and alerts for the area, an early sighting / detection of an approaching skiff will enable an accurate assessment, allowing the Master and PCASP to make informed decisions to keep clear of small boats, dhows, fishing vessels and, if necessary, take evasive actions and request assistance as needed.
Masters are reminded that fishermen in this region may try to protect their nets by attempting to aggressively approach merchant vessels. Some of the fishermen may be armed to protect their catch and they should not be confused with pirates.
Vessels transiting in / off Yemen / Gulf of Aden / Southern Red Sea / Bab El Mandeb: There is a heightened security risk to vessels transiting these waters. Vessels are being approached by skiffs and hailed via VHF allegedly by Yemeni naval forces to alter course into Yemeni waters. Masters are encouraged to be cautious, ignore these calls and immediately report any such activities to Coalition warships on VHF Ch 16. Ships transiting Gulf of Aden, Southern Red Sea and Bab El Mandeb are also advised to be vigilant and take precautionary measures as vessels have been targeted by missiles and unmanned aerial/seaborne vehicles.
Vessels transiting Straits of Hormuz / Gulf of Oman / Off Iran – incidents are not piracy related. Unauthorised boardings have been reported.
SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN WATERS
Brazil (Macapa): Incidents have dropped and recently appears stopped. However, ships are advised to continue to stay vigilant.
Colombia (Cartagena): Past incidents reported at anchorages, river passage and pilot boarding ground. Stay vigilant.
Ecuador (Guayaquil): Incidents have stopped. Past incidents reported at anchorage / river passage with pilot. Robbers well-armed. Fired upon.
Haiti (Port Au Prince / Lafiteau): Incidents dropped. Advised to continue maintaining watch and to stay vigilant.
Mexico (Puerto Dos Bocas): Incidents dropped. Past reported incidents – pirates / robbers in this area armed with guns.
Peru (Callao): Despite a reduction in 2024 incidents, waters remain risky. Maintain vigilant watch and employ anti-piracy measures.
Venezuela (Puerto La Cruz / Puerto Jose / Guanta): Although incidents have stopped, vessels are still reminded to maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures especially at anchor.
EASTERN EUROPE/UKRAINE
Not piracy related: Ukraine and Russia conflict: stay clear of Ukrainian coast. Mines reported in the Black Sea.
