BMP Section 2 Somali Pirate Activity – The High Risk Area

Incidence of Piracy
The presence of Naval/Military forces in the Gulf of Aden, concentrated on the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), has significantly reduced the incidence of piracy attack in this area. With Naval/Military forces concentrated in this area, Somali pirate activity has been forced out into the Arabian Sea and beyond. It is important to note, however, that there remains a serious and continuing threat from piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

Somali based pirate attacks have taken place throughout the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Northern Indian Ocean, affecting all shipping in the region. The recent increasing use of hijacked merchant ships, fishing vessels and dhows as ‘Motherships’ enable pirates to operate at extreme range from Somalia, carrying attack craft (skiffs) and weapons.

Pirate Activity:

 * The level of pirate activity varies within the High Risk Area due to changing weather conditions and activity by Naval/Military forces.
 * Pirate activity generally reduces in areas affected by the South West monsoon, and increases in the period following the monsoon.
 * The onset of the North East monsoon generally has a lesser effect on piracy activity than the South West monsoon.
 * When piracy activity is reduced in one area of the High Risk Area it is likely to increase in another area (eg the area off Kenya and Tanzania, the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandeb all generally experience an increase in pirate activity during the South West monsoon).

High Risk Area
The High Risk Area defines itself by where pirate activity and/or attacks have taken place. For the purpose of BMP the High Risk Area is an area bounded by Suez and the Strait of Hormuz to the North, 10°S and 78°E. (Note - the UKMTO Voluntary Reporting Area is slightly larger as it includes the Arabian Gulf). Attacks have taken place at most extremities of the High Risk Area. Attacks to the South have extended into the Mozambique Channel. A high state of readiness and vigilance should be maintained even to the South of the Southerly limit of the High Risk Area.

It is important that the latest information on the location of where pirates are operating is used when planning routes through the High Risk Area. It is also important that vessels are prepared to alter course at short notice to avoid pirate activity when information is provided by NAV WARNINGS and/or Naval/Military forces. Weather can also constitute an obstacle to pirates and can be considered a factor when planning a route through the High Risk Area. It is recommended that the latest advice/updates be obtained from MSCHOA, NATO Shipping Centre, and the UKMTO on the extent and latest location of pirate activity. (See contact details at Annex A)

It is strongly recommended that BMP is applied throughout the High Risk Area