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As of 02 March 2009, 7 vessels with 108 seafarers are being detained in Somalian ports.
Latest developments
MARAD Advisory 2009-0001 provides the following guidance regarding the Gulf of Aden:
Effective 01 February 2009 the revised UKMTO transit corridor came into effect. All vessels
planning to transit the Gulf of Aden should plan to use the revised corridor.
Revisions to the corridor include the creation of separate east bound and west bound transit
lanes. Each lane will be 5 nm wide and will be separated by a 2 nm separation zone.
The East bound lane will begin at 0450 East between 110 48’ North and 110 53’ North. The lane
will be orientated along a straight line course of 0720 T, and terminate at 0530 East between
140 18’ North and 140 23’ North.
The West bound lane will begin at 0530 East between 140 25’ North and 140 30’ North. The
lane will be orientated along a course of 2520 T, and terminate at 0450 East between 110 55’
North and 120 00’ North.
Warships patrolling the Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) will be positioned to best
support vessels transiting in the UKMTO transit corridor.
The UKMTO transit corridor is not marked or defined by visual navigational means, nor is it
intended to be a dedicated traffic separation scheme but, in order for warship patrols to be
effective, vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden are strongly recommended to adhere to these
guidelines regarding use of the UKMTO transit corridor.
MARAD also notes that, in light of the pirates’ increased resolve and adaptability, additional
precautions and risk assessments are encouraged. The following recommendations remain in
effect for all vessels :
C Adopt passive defence measures. Take all precaution detailed for speed and manoeuvre.
Take defensive precautions prior to entering high threat areas, including rigging fire
hoses, and raising outboard equipment and/or positioning inboard. Consider other non-
lethal measures such as focused sonic devices and flares. Conduct transits in groups with
other vessels in accordance with the recommendations provided by MSC-HOA.
To reduce the risk injury from stray bullets, crew are advised to remain inside the
accommodation, away from all external bulkheads. Fire fighting appliances must be kept in a
state of readiness at all times in order to fight any fires which may break out due to the firing.
If boarded by Pirates
• Offer no resistance as this could lead to unnecessary violence and harm to crew
• If possible, inform the Company and/or Maritime Security Centre
• Remain calm and co-operate fully with the pirates
• Ensure all crew, other than bridge team, stay together in one location
The US Navy Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) in Bahrain has recommended the following
procedure, in order that timely military assistance can be provided:
1. When in distress, call for help on VHF Channel16 and MF/HF DSC.
2. Immediately Contact UKMTO by phone at
Tel: +971 50 552 3215
Email: ukmtodubai@eim.ae
3. If no answer call MARLO, Bahrain at
Tel: +973 1785 3929
Email: Marlo.Bahrain@Me.Navy.Mil
4. Activate SSAS (Ship Security Alert System).
The IMB warned, on 02 March 2009, that pirates have been actively attacking vessels sailing in
the Gulf of Aden and off eastern Africa with intent to hijack. It appears that favourable
weather conditions in the area and the high number of hijacked vessel that have been
released recently may have prompted the pirates to actively seek for new targets.
A tanker, a containership and a South Korean vessel were all attacked in the first few days of
March 2009.
There have been over 24 attacks by Somalian pirates on merchant ships in 2009. At least 9 of
these attacks were repelled with military assistance, and actions by the ships themselves
prevented the other attacks.
Increasing violence is reportedly being used by Somali pirates during hijack attempts. Most
attacks are understood to take place during the early hours of the day.
Warships off the coast of Somalia are using helicopters and unmanned drones to hunt pirates
EUROPEAN Union legal teams are working on a deal that will allow naval forces operating in
the Gulf of Aden to prosecute pirates in a several regional states. Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia
and Egypt have all been identified as potential jurisdictions.
The IMO has been hosting sessions of two working groups of the UN contact group on piracy.
Items on the agendas include the formation of a centre for sharing information between the
military forces of the different countries operating in the Gulf of Aden, and strengthening
shipping’s self-awareness on Somali piracy issues.
IMB live piracy map showing attacks reported in 2009. (Link to live Piracy Map)