Sailing is a wonderful way to explore the world, enjoy nature, and have fun. But it also comes with some risks, especially if you venture into areas where piracy is prevalent. Pirates are criminals who attack ships and boats for money, cargo, or hostages.
They can be armed with guns, knives, or even rocket launchers. They can strike at any time, day or night, and use speedboats, fishing vessels, or skiffs to approach their targets.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), there were 114 actual and attempted piracy attacks worldwide in 2022. The most affected countries were Indonesia, Nigeria, Somalia, and Venezuela, according to Statista.
Piracy can cause significant losses to the shipping industry, as well as physical and psychological harm to the crew and passengers.
If you are planning to sail in these or other high-risk areas, you need to be prepared for the possibility of a pirate attack. Here are some tips on how to deal with pirates when sailing:
Understanding the Pirate Threat
Before we embark on our journey to mastering the art of dealing with pirates, let’s examine the modern-day pirate threat and its geographical prevalence.
Piracy continues to be a serious concern in certain regions, particularly in the following areas:
| Pirate-Prone Areas | Notable Hotspots |
| Gulf of Aden | Somalia, Yemen, Djibouti, and Oman |
| Malacca Strait | Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore |
| Gulf of Guinea | Nigeria, Togo, Benin, and Ghana |
| Red Sea | Eritrea, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia |
| Caribbean Sea | Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Venezuela |
While these regions are renowned for piracy, it’s important to note that pirate activity can also occur in other areas, albeit to a lesser extent.
Stay informed about the latest travel advisories and piracy reports issued by the relevant authorities and international organizations.
Before You Sail
Do your research
Check the latest piracy reports and alerts from reliable sources such as the IMO, the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB), or your national maritime authority.
Avoid sailing in areas where piracy is frequent or increasing. If you have to sail in such areas, plan your route carefully and avoid known hotspots or chokepoints.
Register your vessel
If you are sailing in high-risk areas, you should register your vessel with the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), which is part of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) that patrols the waters off Somalia. This will allow them to monitor your position and provide assistance if needed.
You should also report any suspicious activity or incidents to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which is the primary point of contact for merchant vessels in the region.
Prepare your vessel
Make sure your vessel is seaworthy and has adequate communication and navigation equipment. Install anti-piracy devices such as razor wire, water cannons, electric fences, or acoustic devices that can deter or delay pirates from boarding your vessel.
You should also have a safe room or citadel where you can lock yourself and your crew in case of an attack. The safe room should have a strong door, ventilation, food, water, medical supplies, and a means of communication with the outside world.
Prepare yourself and your crew
Educate yourself and your crew about the risks and realities of piracy. Have a clear anti-piracy plan that outlines what to do before, during, and after an attack. Practice drills and scenarios regularly.
If you have firearms on board, make sure they are legal, licensed, and secured. Be aware of the legal implications of using lethal force against pirates.
During an Attack
Stay calm and alert
If you spot a suspicious vessel approaching your vessel, try to identify it and its intentions. Use binoculars, radar, or AIS (Automatic Identification System) to gather information.
If possible, contact other vessels in the vicinity or authorities for assistance. Do not panic or provoke the pirates.
Evade and escape
If you confirm that the approaching vessel is hostile, try to evade and escape by increasing speed, changing course, or zigzagging. Use any anti-piracy devices or measures you have on board to create a barrier or a distraction.
Do not stop or surrender unless you have no other option.
Communicate and cooperate
If you are unable to evade or escape, try to communicate with the pirates and cooperate with their demands. Do not resist or fight back unless it is absolutely necessary for self-defense.
Follow their instructions and do not make any sudden movements or gestures. Keep your hands visible and do not touch anything unless told to do so.
Protect yourself and your crew
If the pirates board your vessel, try to retreat to your safe room or citadel with your crew. Lock the door and stay inside until help arrives or the pirates leave. Do not engage in any negotiations or conversations with the pirates unless they initiate them.
Do not reveal any personal information or valuables that may increase their ransom demands.
Document everything
If possible, record everything that happens during the attack using a camera, a voice recorder, or a logbook. This will help you later with insurance claims, legal issues, or investigations.
After an Attack
Report and debrief
As soon as it is safe to do so, report the attack to the nearest authorities and request medical assistance if needed.
Provide as much detail as possible about the incident, such as the date, time, location, number and description of pirates, weapons used, damages sustained, injuries inflicted, items stolen, etc.
Debrief yourself and your crew about what happened and how you feel.
Seek support and counseling
A pirate attack can be a traumatic experience that can have lasting effects on your physical and mental health.
Seek professional support and counseling if you or your crew experience any signs of stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), or other psychological issues.
Learn from the experience
Review what happened during the attack and evaluate what went well and what went wrong. Identify any gaps or weaknesses in your anti-piracy plan and make improvements accordingly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Pirate attacks are more prevalent in certain regions, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, Malacca Strait, Gulf of Guinea, Red Sea, and the Caribbean Sea. However, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest piracy reports and travel advisories to make informed decisions about your sailing routes.
The decision to carry weapons onboard is complex and highly regulated. Many countries have strict laws regarding the presence and use of firearms on vessels. It’s advisable to consult legal experts and local authorities to understand the legal implications and potential risks associated with carrying weapons.
Yes, some insurance providers offer specific coverage for piracy-related risks. Consult with reputable maritime insurance companies to explore available options that align with your needs and sailing itinerary.
If you encounter a vessel that raises suspicions, maintain a safe distance and alter your course to create additional separation. Activate your vessel’s alarm system and notify the appropriate maritime authorities or nearby vessels via distress signals. Document as many details as possible about the suspicious vessel for later reporting.
Stay informed and report any piracy incidents or suspicious activities to the relevant authorities, such as the IMB or local coast guards. Your timely and accurate reporting can help enhance the effectiveness of anti-piracy efforts.
Final Words
Navigating pirate-infested waters requires a combination of preparation, vigilance, and effective emergency response.
By arming yourself with knowledge and following the recommended strategies outlined in this guide, you can minimize the risks associated with piracy and ensure safer journeys on the open seas.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with local authorities and maritime security experts before embarking on any sailing expeditions in potentially dangerous areas.]
