The RYA and World Sailing have published new guidance for cruisers regarding piracy and safety abroad. The ‘Danger of Piracy – Guidelines for yachts,’ hosted on the World Sailing website, is intended for yacht skippers who may be considering a passage through the Gulf of Aden, Yemeni and Somali waters, including the NW Indian Ocean north of 5° S and west of 60° E.
Although piracy can often be perceived as a historic issue, in some parts of the world piracy and armed robbery remains a very real issue facing sailors today. Yachtsmen should endeavour to avoid navigating through waters in which pirates are known to operate wherever possible.
The new guidance provides advice to sailors who find it necessary to travel through high-risk areas, this includes, advice on preparations before entering a known piracy area, recognised regular attack patterns, and best practice on how to react if pirates do board the vessel.
See it, report it
If you do see / hear / or have any information relating to maritime crime and / or security, including terrorism, piracy, armed robbery, stowaway incidents and other illegal activities, then the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre provides a dedicated 24-hour hotline which boaters are encouraged to contact.
Email: imbsecurity@icc-ccs.org
Tel: +603 2031 0014
Fax: +603 2078 5769
All information received is treated in strict confidence and is passed on to the relevant authorities for further action.
Further information
You can find further information related to sailing abroad on the Boating Abroad hub page.
Alternatively, RYA Members with a question regarding piracy can email the RYA Cruising team: cruising@rya.org.uk.
