Piracy and armed robbery at sea is an organised and persistent criminal activity prevalent in many parts of the world. Attackers are often aggressive and subject their victims to violence and ill treatment. Ships have been hijacked, either for a ransom payment for the release of captive seafarers, theft of cargo or both. Some seafarers have been held hostage for several years.

Global Counter Piracy Guidance for Companies, Masters and Seafarers is a new publication containing guidance on piracy and armed robbery that can be used by mariners around the world. It facilitates threat and risk assessment and planning for voyages transiting areas where the threat of attack by pirates and armed robbers exists. Experience shows that applying the recommendations in this guidance will assist ships to detect, avoid, deter or delay attacks.

The release of the Global Counter Piracy Guidance coincided with the launch of a new website www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org which provides free security related guidance, together with access to best practice guides. The website brings together several types of security risks to ships including piracy, cyber, migration, stowaways, smuggling and armed conflicts and war.