Somalia, the southern Gulf of Aden and the western Arabian Sea
The maritime security level is maintained on MARSEC/ISPS-level 2.
There is still a potential for pirate operations in the Somali basin, the Gulf of Aden and western part of the Indian Ocean, although pirate activity have declined through 2024, and has been reported infrequently in recent months.
In general, merchant ships in transit should be aware of the potential to encounter small armed craft in this area, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, which may be engaged in legal and illegal activities. Encounters with such boats are likely, and small arms are almost always carried, even by fishermen. Mistakenly identifying these boats as pirate vessels is not uncommon.
Mitigation Measures
- Utilize BMP MS in preparations and operations.
- Conduct security assessments before entering. Current transit advice is provided by UKMTO.
- Stay updated on threat assessments for the region are also provided by EUNAVFOR and can be found on the MSCIO website.
- Prepare ship and crew, through planning and exercises.
- Report to UKMTO and MSCIO in accordance with guidelines.
- Stay vigilant and maintain a high degree of situational awareness, both underway and at port.
