28 September 2015

UK P&I Club issues warning on piracy in West Africa

Shipping protection and indemnity mutual insurer The UK P&I Club (The UK Club) has issued practical guidance to members in relation to piracy in West Africa.

The tips tell members how they can help avoid incidents with West African pirates. These include operating the ship at a “heightened state of security” throughout, carrying out a ship and voyage-specific risk assessment, limiting the use of lighting at night and reviewing and complying with guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for Protection against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region.

Other tips include careful planning, regular reporting to The Maritime Trade Information Sharing Centre Gulf of Guinea (MTISC – GoG) and seeking the Club’s advice if any member if considering the use of armed guards.

Stuart Edmonston, head of loss prevention, said: “We have seen a sizable shift in pirate activity, from Somali to West Africa, and are witnessing an increase in incidents particularly offshore Nigeria.

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