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Update 12/23/09: Posted European Naval Forces publication: Surviving Piracy - Information for Seafarer Victims of Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Solali Basin.

Update 12/11/09: Posted *NEW* Foreign Ports Information regarding Armed Security. See PSA  08-09 below!

Update 12/07/09: Posted link to new UN Security Council Resolution 1897 on Piracy.

Update 1/13/10: Posted *NEW* Foreign Ports Information regarding Armed Security. See PSA  08-09 below!

Port Security Advisories:

PSA (2-09): MARSEC Directive 104-6 (Rev. 2)

PSA (3-09): Guidance on Self-Defense or Defense of Other by U.S. Flagged Commercial Vessels Operating in High Risk Waters

PSA (4-09): International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (Rev. 2)

PSA (5-09): Minimum Guidelines for Contracted Security Services in High Risk Waters (Rev. 1)

PSA (6-09): Procedures for Obtaining a Name-Based Terrorism Check For Security Personnel Operating in High Risk Waters (HRW) In Accordance With Port Security Advisory (PSA) 05-09 (Rev 1)

PSA (8-09): Port State Response to Request for Information Regarding Carriage and Transport of Self-Defense Weapons Aboard U.S. Commercial Vessels and Port Information document

PSA (9-09): Expected Courses of Action Following Attacks by Pirates in The Horn of Africa Region

PSA (11-09): Supplementary Guidance on Defensive Measures

 

Piracy Reports: Company Security Officers (CSOs) are encouraged to review the following web sites regularly:

http://www.nga.mil/portal/site/maritime (NGA)

Worldwide Threats to Shipping Report

http://www.icc-ccs.org (ICC) (IMB PRC)

http://www.mschoa.eu (MSC HOA)

http://www.rncom.mod.uk/templates/MaritimeOperations.cfm?id=902 (UKMTO)

http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/ (MARLO)

http://www.recaap.org/index_home.html (ReCAAP)

MARAD:  As an industry facilitator, MARAD has posted useful information and advisories to both the private and public sectors here.

International Efforts

The Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa), run by the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) is a Coordination Center tasked to safeguard merchant shipping operating in the region by preventing and deterring acts of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the Horn of Africa and in the Somali Basin. Their site provides information and guidance for the shipping community. Further information on the role of the MSC(HOA)

International Maritime Organization (IMO): On December 2, 2009 The 26th regular session of the IMO Assembly has adopted a resolution on piracy and armed robbery against ships in waters off the coast of Somalia, which, among other things, condemns and deplores all acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships.(See IMO Briefing 40/2009 ).  Attached on right are Annexes 1 to 5 to the report of the Working Group on Piracy and armed robbery against ships (MSC 86/WP.7) including Best Management Practices. Also attached is IMO Maritime Safety Committee report on industry-generated best management practices to deter Piracy.

United Nations Security Council:  The United Nations Security Council adopted a Resolution 1897 (2009) extending for twelve months authorization for States and regional organizations cooperating with the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to enter Somalia's territorial waters and use all necessary means to fight piracy and armed robbery at sea off Somalia's coast. The resolution also invites States and regional organizations to conclude special agreements with countries willing to take custody of and to prosecute suspected pirates. Resolution  1897 (2009) consolidates, supercedes, and renews 1846(2008) and 1851(2008). 

Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS): The United States helped to create the International CGPCS to coordinate an effective international response to piracy in the region. Attached on right are CGPCS establishment documents, the report from the latest meeting, and the New York Declaration signed at this meeting. Also attached are industry's updated best management practices. Key Outcomes of 4th Plenary of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia

U.S. Department of State: U.S. Actions To Counter Piracy off the Horn of Africa Fact Sheet (2009) 

NATO Piracy Website: http://www.shipping.nato.int/CounterPir 

For questions on US vessel compliance with the MARSEC Directive or anti-piracy measures on US vessels, please contact Lieutentant Commander James Fogle at (202) 372-1038 or james.t.fogle@uscg.mil.