One incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia (CAT 4) was reported to ReCAAP ISC, from 27 December 2022 to 3 January 2023. The incident occurred to a chemical tanker while anchored at Kandla Anchorage, India.

With this incident, a total of five incidents were reported in India in the year 2022, which is the same as the total number reported in 2021.

Of concern in Asia is the continued occurrence of incidents in the Singapore Strait (SS), which reported a total of 55 incidents in 2022 compared to 49 incidents in 2021; and the threat of abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.

Downgrading of threat level
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), after careful consideration of inputs from stakeholders and counterparts with vital involvement in securing the Sulu-Celebes Seas maritime security measure, recommends the downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘POTENTIALLY HIGH’ to ‘MODERATE’. The MODERATE threat level implies that ‘Incidents are possible to occur but are relatively less severe in nature’.

As the threat of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas has diminished since January 2020 due to successful military operations and robust law enforcement initiatives, the ReCAAP ISC updates its Advisory to all ships to consider re-route from the area as an option based on its prerogative.

For ships transiting the area, the ship masters and crew are strongly encouraged to exercise extra vigilance and report all incidents immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.

Recommendations
Ship master and crew to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.

Source: Safety4sea

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	Issue 82 of Robban Assafina (Nov./Dec. 2022)