Piracy at Sea: Which Areas Are Dangerous, How Ships Protect Themselves, and What Seafarers Need to Know

Piracy is not a history textbook story or a Hollywood script. It's the reality of modern shipping, faced by thousands of seafarers. Before agreeing to a contract in a particular region — you need to clearly understand what's happening there.

Where It's Actually Dangerous Right Now

Gulf of Guinea (West Africa) — for a long time the main hotspot of global piracy. In recent years the situation has improved, but the region remains under heightened attention.

Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — after years of calm, the situation sharply escalated in late 2023 due to Houthi attacks on merchant vessels using missiles and drones. Many companies rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.

Strait of Malacca and Southeast Asia — mostly petty theft from anchorages. The threat is significantly lower than in the regions above.

Somali Basin — the peak of piracy came in 2010-2012. Naval patrols and armed guards on vessels sharply reduced activity.

How Ships Protect Against Pirates

Armed Guards — the most effective method. A team of former military personnel on board during transit through high-risk areas (HRA).

Citadel — a reinforced room on the vessel where the crew evacuates during an attack. Armored door, external communication, water and food supplies.

BMP (Best Management Practices) — industry guidance: routes, speed, surveillance, barbed wire, water barriers, enhanced watches.

UKMTO Registration — vessel tracking service in the Gulf of Aden.

Seafarer Rights in Risk Zones

According to MLC 2006, a seafarer has the right to refuse a contract without penalty if the vessel is heading to a zone of armed conflict — provided the seafarer did not consent to working in such an area when signing the contract.

What to Do During an Attack

The main thing: don't play the hero. Cargo and vessel are insured. Life is not. Follow the procedures defined by the captain and SMS. If ordered to the citadel — go immediately.

SSAS (Ship Security Alert System) — a covert alarm, activated during an attack and transmits a signal to shore centers without warning the attackers.

Should You Accept a Contract in a Dangerous Area

A personal decision. Such contracts usually include a risk bonus. Before agreeing, ask the shipowner: will there be armed guards, what's the route, what's the procedure during an attack.