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The Maritime Intelligence Report Series focuses on:

• Areas of instability which could affect the passage or port call of your vessel;

• Changes or impediments to navigation/restrictions of; and

• Charts and analysis detailing piracy, suspicious ap-proaches and hijackings.

MAST has a global reach and presence, delivering first hand, accurate and exclusive intelligence. MAST is entrenched and committed in continuing to support and promote the awareness of the very real risks that seafarers and stakeholders face.

This Intelligence Report Series is a brief snapshot of MAST’s Intelligence capabilities. MAST Intelligence specialises in providing clients with a suite of prod-ucts, including; detailed port and vessel security briefs, vessel passage plans, threat and risk mitigation, travel risk management.

Working closely in conjunction with a host of experts, MAST Intelligence offers a market leading service per-taining to all maritime affairs.

Follow MAST on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep abreast with these insightful weekly reports and more — in-cluding real time security updates.

Editor: David Rider

www.mast-security.com

14th September 2016

Issue 42 of the series reviews, analyses and threat assesses the fragile and conflict affected coastal states Libya, Somalia and Yemen. The Mediterranean migrant crisis, incidents affecting maritime security and influencing maritime news are also reported and analysed, focusing on the keys theatres of maritime instability.

“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

Issue 42

Contents:Indian Ocean region

Somalia

Yemen

Yemen Ports

Mediterranean

Libya

Gulf of Guinea

South East Asia

Central & South America

Mast Services

Page2

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4

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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

Indian Ocean Region The Combined Maritime Forces (CTF-151) and EUNAVFOR will conduct “Focussed Operation Taegeukgi” in specific littoral areas off the Northeastern Somali coasts between September 19th and 23rd. The mission is intended to deter and disrupt any piracy or piracy preparations; analyse pattern of life during monsoon transition; interact with merchant and local shipping. The operation suggests that the coali-tion forces are concerned about an increase in pirate activity and follows a decision by SANDF to send a frigate into the Mozambique Channel on patrol.

1st December 2015 HRA limits

Indian warships in MombasaIndian Naval Ships Kolkata and Aditya have arrived at Momba-sa on a three day visit. The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Com-mand and are on a two month deployment to the Western In-dian Ocean.

Japan to help India develop Iranian portJapan on Friday 9th agreed to help India develop the strategi-cally important Chabahar port of Iran. India, which signed a tri-partite agreement with Iran and Afghanistan earlier this year to develop the Iranian port into a transit hub bypassing Pakistan.

Iran’s 43rd Naval Fleet Sets Sail for Open SeasThe Iranian Navy’s 43rd flotilla of warships started its overseas mission in the international waters on Wednesday 7th. Given the navy’s history of engaging in “pirate battles”, we should ex-pect news stories of that nature shortly. The Navy claims to have escorted 3,500 vessels through the region, but warn in an article on September 12th of an increase in piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Threat AssessmentThe Focussed Operation Taegeukgi is an interesting develop-ment. MAST’s COO led a series of Focussed operations in 2011 and 2012, resulting in numerous arrests and the disruption of several pirate action groups (PAGs), impacting the piracy busi-ness model significantly. He reports that PAGs are adept at preparing vessels under cover and can deploy them almost at will. The increased surveillance suggests a growing concern re-garding pirate activity ashore. MAST continues to recommend heightened watches and security routines whilst transiting the Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA).Convoy Escort ProgrammeSeptember’s military convoys are provided by Japan, Korea, China, India and Russia. To view speeds and timetables, please visit mschoa.orgFor further information, please contact:Japan MSDF: info-piracy@mlit.go.jpKorean Navy: bluegun21@navy.mil.krChinese Navy: planavy@navy.mil.cnIndian Navy: dgcommcentre-dgs@nic.inRussian Navy: isps@msecurity.ru

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity Theft

3

SomaliaOn Wednesday 6th, Somalia banned all Kenyan air imports of the widely-used stimulant, khat. More than 15 cargo flights full of khat arrive in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, every day from Kenya. Accord-ing to Somali anti-khat campaigner Abukar Awale, they bring in about 12,000 bags of khat a day, which have a total retail value of $400,000 (£298,000). Kenya is already protesting the ban while regions like Puntland have defied it.

Under control of Al Shabaab and allies

Under control of neutral forces

Under the control of Government and allies

Somaliland Government

Control of Somali territory (12th September 2016) Source: Wikimedia Commons

Four ISIS fighters arrestedFour militants of the Islamic State have been arrested by Somali security forces during operation in the southwestern town of Baidoa. The group’s commander in Bay and Bakool regions is among those arrested alongside his three collaborators.

Somalia tightens security ahead of IGAD summitPresident Mahmoud spoke to the press on Sept. 10th at the Presidential Palace and revealed that major roads in the capi-tal city of Mogadishu has been blocked ahead of the arrival of regional leader to attend the upcoming 53rd summit of Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Mogadishu.

President Mohamud stripped of power as term expiresPresident Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will from now on not enjoy full executive powers as his constitutionally mandated tenure

comes to a close September 10, the Presidency has said.Al Shabaab• Somali Special Operations Forces (SOF) killed an Al Shabaab commander and six militants in Qoryooley, Lower Shabelle re-gion on September 12th.• Militants attacked government forces at locations around the coastal city of Merca on Sept. 11th. Spokesmen stated that the attack was repulsed by Somali forces. • Somali National Army and AMISOM forces killed at least eight Al Shabaab militants at a camp in Budbud village in Galgudud region, central Somalia on September 7th.• AMISOM and Somali National Army (SNA) forces secured Ab-dalla Birole settlement in Lower Jubba region from Al Shabaab on September 8th. • Forces attacked an Al Shabaab position in Labaatan Jirrow, Bay region on September 9th, reportedly killing 12 militants.

Analysis

The ongoing attacks by Al Shabaab close to the capital underlines their ability to operate across the country with little challenge. Somali intelligence sources fully expect Al Shabaab fighters to infiltrate Mogadishu as the election nears, and have begun operations to root out militants, with arrests and vehicle-borne IED sei-zures. Unfortunately, it is highly likely that terror attacks will continue in an attempt to destabilize the election process, particularly in the capital where the PR value of attacks is higher.

Threat Assessment

The Somali National Army and AMISOM continue to struggle to maintain security over Mogadishu. Moga-dishu Port continues to be operational. After earlier warnings in March that an attack on Somali ports is likely, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency stated that it has implemented further security measures in Somali ports to protect business continu-ity. To date this seems to have worked, although the AS push into the coastal town of Merca is a cause for concern. MAST will continue to monitor the situation.

The mutiny by elements of the Puntland commandos presents a potential threat to the region. Like the Punt-land Maritime Police Force, the men are well trained and equipped and present a threat to security in the semi-autonomous region, particularly with Al Shabaab elements launching operations in Puntand from their bases in the nearby Galgala mountains.

“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

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Control of Yemen territory (12th September 2016)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

YemenOn September 8th, the UN Security Council urged the parties to the conflict in Yemen to immediately resume talks with the UN envoy for that country and discuss his proposal for a comprehensive agree-ment covering both security and political issues. In a press statement, the members of the Council “expressed their continued support for and commitment to the work of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, in bringing the parties to negotiations with a view towards swiftly reaching a final and comprehensive agreement to end the conflict in Yemen.”

Suicide bomber kills seven policemenA suicide bomber killed seven police conscripts and wounded 15 others on Sunday 11th when he drove a vehicle laden with explosives into a police compound in the hometown of Presi-dent Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in the south-eastern Abyan province. AQAP claimed responsibility.Oil production inceasesPetsec Energy announced the opening of a new office in Sana’a on Sept. 12th, adding that it coincided with the opening of the Ash Shihr Crude Export Terminal on the Gulf of Aden, with recent oil liftings of up to 3 million barrels being reported.Air strikes kill civiliansAt least 21 civilians were killed in two separate air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition in northern Yemen on Saturday, residents said on Sunday, as fighting intensified in the country before the Muslim Eid al-Adha feast.Militant activity• Three militants declared the formation of an Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS) province (wilayat) in al Mahrah gover-norate, located along the Yemeni-Omani border, on September 10th.• Hadi government-allied Hizam security forces dismantled an Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham (ISIS) Wilayat Lahij cell in Yafa’a, Lahij governorate on Sept. 8th.• The Saudi-led coalition launched more than 20 airstrikes targeting al Houthi-Saleh forces in eastern Taiz governorate on September 8th. Coalition airstrikes targeted positions in

Maoist Junction, Mount Awman, Mount al Hawaban, and al Hawaban Airport.AQAP• CIA Director, John Brennan, stated that al AQAP and Daesh are cooperating on a “tactical level” in southern Yemen in an interview on September 7th. AnalysisSo far there has been little progress made in negotiations and the ‘pause’ in proceedings will see continued fighting and civil-ian casualties. Saudi Arabia’s position appears to be entrenched with little sign of any compromise and they will need to see the conflict through in order to send a clear message to the region and players such as Iran, which has its own clear agenda. The long term view is not a positive one, but defeat is not an option for Saudi Arabia and their allies in the West, who are keen to ensure AQAP don’t increase their territory and influence in the country.Threat Assessment

MAST’s standing advice remains that all vessels conduct robust risk and passage assessments prior to arrival in Yemen waters. Increased watch routines and security should be maintained due to the ongoing potential for militant and pirate activity in this region. The ongoing presence of AQAP in Yemen remains an issue. While al Mukalla port has been liberated, AQAP el-ements continue to conduct terror operations at a local level. The recent boat-borne attack on the port raises further ques-tions about local security and the protection of merchant ships in the region.

Houthi

Pro Hadi Government Forces

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)

“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

5

UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM)

The UN’s Secretary-General has decided to institute a UNVIM for the facilitation of commercial imports to Yemen, at the request of the Government of the Republic of Yemen and in line with Security Council resolution 2216 (2015).

UNVIM is operational with immediate effect. Shipping companies or vessel owners shipping commercial goods or services to any port not under the direct control of the Government of Yemen (Salif, Mokha, Hudaydah and associated oil terminals) need to ap-ply for permits upon departure of the port of origin of their cargo. For further details click here.

UN arms embargo imposed by UN Security Council Resolution 2216 of 2015 is in place.

Port Aden:

• The port of Aden is under the protection of the Republic of Yemen security forces.

• Curfew in effect for Aden, 2000-0600 daily.

• Merchant vessels wishing to enter Yemeni ports must first apply for a permit through the Yemeni Ministry of Transportation; contact: yemen.transport@gmail.com for more information.

• Final clearance to enter Yemeni ports (with permits in place) is authenticated by the coalition guard ship.

• Aden is the only port in Yemen currently able to facilitate container vessels. The container terminal has recently increased it’s capacity. WFP note that eight vessels were discharging at berth with 5 waiting at anchorage.

Port Salif: Capacity 2 berths. Operating at capacity. Vessels experiencing severe delays due to minimal port equipment. 10 ves-sels awaiting at anchorage (WFP, June 29th).

Port Hudaydah:

• Capacity 8 berths. As of World Food Programme reports at the end of June, eight vessels were discharging at berth, 25 awaiting at anchor.

• Only 1 of 5 shore based cranes in partial operation, container vessels highly recommended to have their own internal cranes.

• RSNF is utilizing a holding area 60 NM west of the port of Hudaydah for all vessels attempting entry into Salif or Hudaydah. Inbound vessels should plan on holding within this area prior to receiving clearance from port control warships.

Port Mokha: Status - Open and fully operational (North of England P&I, July 18th).

Port Al Mukalla: Capacity 2 berths. Al Mukalla port was liberated on the 23/24 April by the Saudi-led coalition and southern resistance. Port officials have advised that port operations resumed on the 26th April.

Port of Ash Shihr: Status - Open and full operational (North of England P&I, July 22nd).

Port of Balhaf: Status - Closed: LNG terminal remains closed.

Port of Ras Isa: Status - Closed. Safer oil terminal remains closed, Safer Company (SEPOC) does not allow vessels to berth at Safer Marine Terminal if they do not have an agreement signed by them according to the protocol between buyer and Yemeni government.

MCCC Notice: Following open source reporting of increased military activity in and around the Yemeni port city of Mukalla and the maritime security incident on the 24th April, where an MV was fired upon, please be advised that the security situ-ation in the vicinity of the port has changed. Vessels using the port or operating nearby are advised to take additional security measures and proceed with caution. Coalition warships are patrolling in the area and should be hailed on VHF Channel 16 by any vessel witnessing or subject to threatening behaviour.

Yemen PortsNothing significant to report.

“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

6

Mediterranean Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, has signalled that the deal between the EU and Turkey to stop migrants reaching Europe could be saved, in spite of stumbling blocks over Turkish demands that visa restrictions on its citizens be relaxed. Cavusoglu spoke to reporters at a news conference with EU officials on Friday 9th to say that a “common understanding” and consensus could be reached, AP reported.

Libyan coast guard detains German charity rescue boatTwo people from the German rescue charity Sea-Eye were detained after their 11 metre rescue speedboat entered Libya’s territorial waters from Tunisia without authorization, the Libyan coast guard said on Saturday 10th.

Europol identifies 12,000 suspected traffickersOver 12,000 people have been identified by Europol as pos-sibly being involved in migrant trafficking in the first eight months of 2016. Their nationalities reflect the evolution of routes, while networks of traffickers tend to use local man-power ever more to facilitate the transport of and arrange-ments for migrants.

EU naval mission ‘neutralises’ 290 smuggler boats in yearOperation Sophia naval assets have destroyed or rendered useless some 290 vessels used by migrant smugglers since October 2015, the EU reported on Friday 9th. A total of 87 smugglers have been arrested during the period.

Baby born on Mediterranean rescue shipA Nigerian woman gave birth to a boy (named Newman) on the MSF vessel MV Aquarius on Monday 12th in international waters. As a result, his nationality is under debate.

Migrant Rescues• Italian CG reports that 1,100 migrants were rescued off the coast of Libya on Sunday 11th. The migrants were in eight overloaded rubber vessels and two fishing boats. • The Italian coastguard , Irish Navy and four NGO vessels rescued 2,300 migrants in 18 separate operations on Satur-day 10th. The migrants were in 17 rubber vessels and one small boat.

The current migrant smuggling situationMAST has spoken with Robert Pelton of Migrant Report who is currently in Libya to gauge the situation there. Pelton says that the flow there is now predominantly economic migrants fed into coastal areas by efficient East, Central and Subsaharan smug-gling gangs. Local militia have been ‘hijacking’ migrant ship-ments from smugglers in Sabratha while Coast Guard patrols and a more aggressive repatriation process in Libya has had an impact on the numbers of migrants crossing from Libya. There is a conflict ongoing between fuel smugglers and people traffickers which has seen the Black Masks in Zuwara push the departure point to Sabratha. In Garabulli, locals blew up a check point, the Coast Guard and shut down the migrant departure point. Since now virtually all migrants are leaving from Sabratha, the militia there is hijacking normal shipments and doubling the price. The human trafficking business model is currently under serious pressure. The drop in numbers has little to do with naval or NGO activity, sources suggest.

Map depicting major migrant routes in the Mediterranean (13th September 2016). Source: UNHRC

“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

Migrant crossings 2014-2016. Source: UNHRC

7

LibyaAmerica, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK on Monday 12th urged forces loyal to Libyan General, Khalifa Hafter, to withdraw from the oil ports his forces seized over the weekend. Hafter, whose growing power is a significant concern, and his forces took over Ras Lanuf, Es Sider, Zueitina and Brega, displacing forces allied to the UN-backed government. Eastern Libyan factions allied to Haftar had previously tried to export oil independently of the government and the National Oil Corporation in Tripoli and he has threat-ened to bomb tankers approaching those ports in the past.

“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

Italy to open hospital, deploy 300 soldiers and doctors to Libya

Italy will set up a military hospital and deploy 300 doctors, nurs-es and soldiers in Libya at the request of the United Nations-recognized government in Tripoli, a government source said on Monday 12th. The hospital near the Misrata airport will be staffed by about 100 doctors and nurses and guarded by some 200 soldiers.

Daesh still fighting in Sirte

Sirte is no longer controlled by ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) but the city still has several dozen ISIL men fighting to the death in one neighbourhood where they are using a hundred or more women and children as human shields. In the rest of the city government forces are carefully searching for bombs, landmines and other deadly traps ISIL tends to leave in areas it expects to lose control of.

Analysis

The move by General Hafter to take control of oil terminals from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) could have serious ramifications for the peace effort in Libya. He has built a significant power base and his assault on the ter-minals comes just as they were beginning to re-open, crippling oil output and export efforts. The 200,000 b/d capacity Ras Lanuf and the 350,000 b/d capacity Es Sider, which have been under force majeure restrictions since 2014, had appeared to be on the brink of reopening after a deal was struck between

the GNA and the PFG. Cross-Libya cargoes from Zueitina to the Zawia refinery had restarted for the first time since November 2015. Closure of the terminals has impacted crude production and exports, with a knock on effect on the nation’s economy. Current production is around 320,000 b/d, compared to 1.4 million b/d before the overthrow of Gaddafi in 2011. Threat AssessmentThe National Oil Company (NOC) is responsible for securing oil port facilities with their own armed force, the Petroleum Facil-ity Guards (PFG). Ongoing disputes between the PFG and NOC continue to hamper efforts to increase oil production and sup-ply in the country, potentially placing tankers with legal cargoes at risk of seizure should the issue not be resolved. The oil in-dustry is integral to Libya’s economy and is appropriately safe-guarded. Divisions between the east and west NOC branches and the control of ports has not yet impacted on the security of a vessel. Many Libyan ports are operational, but not without risk. MAST is able to provide risk assessments and crew training to improve situational awareness and risk appreciation. The ad-ditional threat to shipping should not be taken lightly. The map below details the most common points of departure in Libya for migrants and the migrant vessels’ planned destinations. A large number of the vessels are rescued before reaching their destination and military sources are confirming that there is evi-dence that setting out to be rescued is a deliberate tactic. Note that this map has yet to be updated to reflect recent shifts in migrant departure points which have not been verified by the military and other agencies.

Control of Northern Libyan territory (12th Sep-tember 2016)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Controlled by the Tobruk led government

Controlled by the Government of National Accord

Controlled by ISIS

Controlled by local forces

Controlled by Tuareg forces

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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

Gulf of GuineaThe Nigerian Navy on Monday 12th said two french warships HPD DIXMUNDE and FF CODUING are lead-ing a French maritime initiative under the Exercise NEMO series, tagged Exercise NEMO 16.5 with the theme ‘Maritime Structure on Securitisation’. A statement from Navy spokesman, Commodore Christian Ezekobe said the Exercise is geared towards sharpening skills in anti-piracy and anti-illegal fishing.

Incidents: Nothing serious to report.

Troops destroy 74 illegal refineries, kidnappers camp The Nigrrian Army said on Friday 9th that its troops of 2 Bri-gade, conducting field training exercise code named “Opera-tion CROCODILE SMILE” have within the last 48 hours discov-ered and destroyed 74 illegal refineries in Niger Delta. The Army said also that quite a number of militants and kidnappers camps in various parts of Rivers and Bayelsa States using swan buggy and other specialists equipment were destroyed.Father of Ex-Niger Delta Militant Tompolo Dies After ‘Military Incursion’The father of an ex-Niger Delta militant leader has reportedly died (Sept. 9th) following injuries sustained during incursions by the Nigerian military, potentially exacerbating tensions in the crisis-hit oil-producing region. Tompolo is currently a fugi-tive in a corruption case involving the former Director of NI-MASA. Tompolo has been accused of involvement in a number of recent militant attacks against oil interests. Sea pirates kill four marine policemenSea pirates have killed four policemen after hijacking their gunboat on routine patrol of the Abonnema waterways, media reports stated on September 7th. The bodies of the policemen have been recovered. The Nation gathered that the gunboat

was attacked shortly after departing Abonnema wharf jetty in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Threat Assessment

All vessels operating in the GoG should conduct a thorough risk assessment and practice emergency drills. Locally pro-cured patrol boats can, in the right circumstances, enhance a vessel’s security. MAST recommends that vessels transiting the region register with MDAT-GoG to ensure domain awareness. Contact watch-keepers@mdat-gog.org or call +33(0)2 98 22 88 88.MAST advises against the use of embarked armed Nigerian Navy personnel. Under contact from pirates, embarked armed Nigerian guards will draw increased fire towards the bridge of the vessel which can result in the death or injury of crew mem-bers and damage to the vessel. The Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) off Lagos provides effective protection for drifting and waiting vessels and the area has been piracy free for several months. It has also been reported that there is an unofficial, but operational SAA off the Bonny River. MAST can advise on risk assessments, the most effective countermeasures and on the most effective locally procured Nigerian patrol vessels to escort vessels to and from operation in Nigeria to 150nm offshore.

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Theft

4°30’

5°00’

4°00’

3°30’

7°00’6°30’ 7°30’5°00’ 5°30’ 6°00’ 8°00’4°30’

6°00’

5°30’

3°30’ 4°00’

Hijack

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South East AsiaOn Saturday 10th, unknown gunmen boarded a Malaysian trawler off Pom Pom Island, Sabah, and kidnapped three crew members. While the military has not yet stated that the Abu Sayyaf Group or its affiliates were behind the abduction, it fits their recent attacks and occurred in a region they have operated in before. The gang comprised of seven men in two 75hp powerboats, according to military reports, and fled towards Bulubulu island off Tawi-Tawi. Additionally, on Friday Sept. 9th, President Duterte of the Philippines announced that Indonesian Navy ships pursu-ing suspected pirates would be allowed to enter Pinoy waters. Duterte said: “That’s the agreement, blow them up, that’s my word actually with (Indonesian President) Widodo, I said, ‘Blow them up’.”

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Incidents 1. Four armed robbers boarded an anchored bulk carrier and entered the engine room via the funnel door at 2335 LT in po-sition Dumai Inner Anchorage, Indonesia. They threatened the duty oiler with knives and tied him up. The robbers then stole engine spares and escaped. After the robbers left the oiler man-aged to free himself and alert the duty officer who in turn raised the alarm. No injuries to crew members. Incident reported to port authorities. Reported (IMB) Sept. 6th. 2. Four robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored tanker and entered the engine room at 0345 LT in position 01:41.8N – 101:29.7E, Dumai Inner Anchorage, Indonesia. Duty 2/E noticed the robbers and informed the D/O on the bridge who raised the alarm and all crew mustered. On hearing the alarm, the robbers escaped through the steering gear room with ship’s spares. Port control informed. Reported (IMB) Sept. 8th.3. Seven masked gunmen attacked and boarded anchored Ma-laysia-flagged trawler, Puteri, at 2240 LT off Pulau Pom Pom,

Semporna, Malaysia. The gunmen ordered the 16-man crew to lie down then proceeded to rob them of cash, valuables and mobile phones. One crew member was assaulted. The skipper and 2 other crew were kidnapped as the gunmen departed in a boat. Reported Sept. 10th.

Threat AssessmentOpportunistic theft of ships stores and equipment continues to be sporadically spread across the archipelagos of SE Asia. Thieves tend to be nonviolent and will escape when spotted. We encourage vessels to conduct thorough risk assessments when operating with SE Asian archipelagos and to adopt appro-priate measures to protect vessel and crew. Abu Sayyaf has traditionally targeted small slower vessels such as fishing vessels, passenger vessels, yachts, tugs and vessels under tow with the intent of kidnapping crew for ransom. Ves-sels operating in the Sulu Sea should adopt security measures. MAST anticipates a fall in incident reports once joint patrols and armed guards are implemented.

“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

Theft

1.2. 3.

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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

Central and South America Cruise ship Coral Princess is slated to transit the Panama Canal on a voyage from Los Angeles to the U.S. East Coast on October 4th, 2016, officially kicking off the canal’s 2016-2017 cruise season, which accord-ing to the Panama Canal Authority will see more than 230 cruise ships pass through the Panama Canal.

Incidents: Nothing serious to report.

Standing advice:

The repercussions of a vessel being caught acting as a mule with drugs stowed will depend on the type, amount and national laws, but may be disruptive and costly. When and if operating in these areas, especially Columbia and Peru, it is advised that:

• Potential stowage areas such as rudder shafts are denied as far as possible, and/or routinely searched.

• Access points are closely monitored by a vigilant watch for the duration of the vessel’s call at port.

Hijack

Kidnap

Approach/Attack

Suspicious Activity

Theft

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“Making the maritime environment a safer place to live and work”

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to our clients.

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