Latest NATO Report Indicates Pirates Still Weatherbound

During the reporting period of 26 September to 02 October 2012 there were no piracy related incidents in the High Risk Area (HRA).

In the period the NATO Shipping Centre received one report of suspicious activity in the Southern Red Sea (SRS) Bab-al-Mandeb (BAM) and Gulf of Aden (GOA).  Masters are still reminded to remain vigilant while transiting this area.

The Southwest Monsoon season is currently in transition. Improving weather conditions will likely allow pirates to operate further out from shore. Note that pirate activity can still take place during the monsoon season: during this time pirates are likely to operate closer to shore to avoid severe conditions further out at sea.

Pirate Attack Groups (PAGs) will likely continue to focus their efforts in the Northern Arabian Sea (NAS), Gulf of Oman (GOO) as well as in the Gulf of Aden (GOA), Southern Red Sea (SRS), and coastal waters.

Masters are advised that the threat of piracy against merchant shipping is always present throughout the entire HRA and vessels are advised to ensure all necessary Self Protection Measures are implemented as recommended in publication BMP4.