According to The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) ISC latest report, the number of incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia reported in February 2016 is the lowest among the 12-months period. No piracy incident and incidents involving oil cargo theft were reported.

All three incidents in February 2016 were Category 4 incidents, indicating that the incidents were opportunitistic in nature involving perpetrators who were not armed and escaped immediately after realising that they have been sighted by the crew. Of the three incidents, one reported loss of stores and in the other two incidents, nothing was stolen. 

Of the three incidents reported in February 2016, two occurred on board ships while anchored in India (Tuna Buoy anchorage, Kandla and Haldia Dock Complex, Kolkata); and the third incident occurred while the ship was underway in the Gulf of Khambat off Gadhula, India. 

Conclusion

The situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia continued to improve in February 2016 with lowest number of incidents reported during February 2015-February 2016. Coupled with the decrease in the number of incidents was also a reduction in the severity level of incidents. Notably, no incident involving hijacking of tankers for theft of oil cargo had been reported since September 2015. Also, there was no report of unauthorised boarding in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since November 2015. 

However, more needs to be done at certain ports and anchorages in India where the port authorities along with the state marine police and relevant enforcement agencies need to enhance their surveillance; and ship masters and crew to maintain stringent watch-keeping while their ships are anchored/ berthed there. 

Whilst there has been improvement, consolidated efforts by the stakeholders at sea and on land to do their part towards apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators are key towards clamping down this maritime crime. 

Further details may be found by reading ReCAAP ISC report for February 2016. 

Source: http://www.safety4sea.com/category/security/