(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) is the first regional government-to-government agreement to promote and enhance cooperation against piracy and armed robbery in Asia. In its Annual Report for 2017, the following data regarding piracy and armed robbery against ships are discussed.
A total of 101 incidents were reported in 2017 compared to 85 incidents in 2016. This accounts for a 19% increase in the number of incidents reported in 2017 compared to 2016.
This includes 17 incidents which were not reported directly by ReCAAP Focal Points and regional authorities; but were on IMO list of incidents in 2017.
Compared to 2016, there was an increase in the number of incidents on board ships anchored at ports and anchorages in Bangladesh (Chittagong), Philippines (Manila and Batangas) and on board ships anchored and underway in the South China Sea (SCS) and underway in the Singapore Strait.
However, there was a decrease in the number of incidents occurred at ports and anchorages in India, Malaysia and Vietnam compared to 2016.
There was also a decrease in the number of incidents of abduction of crew for ransom in 2017 compared to 2016.
The decrease in the number of incidents at certain ports and anchorages, and in the number of incidents of abduction of crew for ransom demonstrates the effectiveness of the information sharing mechanism of ReCAAP; and the close cooperation among the ReCAAP ISC, ReCAAP Focal Points, regional authorities, partner organisations and the shipping community.
The ReCAAP ISC urges all enforcement agencies to beef up surveillance and patrols; and relevant authorities to implement port security measures,
particularly in areas of concern. The ReCAAP ISC also encourages ship masters and crew to exercise enhanced vigilance while underway, maintain
watch-keeping while at ports and anchorages, and adopt relevant preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
For complete details, click on below image to downoad full report:
Source: RECAAP
Reblogged this on Brittius.