A recent report indicates a Pirate Action Group operating offshore Gabon. The threat area was described as “between the coasts of Nigeria and Gabon”. In an effort to prevent further incidents and possible danger to crewmembers and vessels, the Registry strongly recommends masters, operators and shipowners to continue to follow the methods put forth in the Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMPMS) regarding defending against piracy attempts to include considering the use of private maritime security companies onboard the vessels, maintaining a vigilant watch and reporting any suspicious activity.
All Owners, operators and Masters of Liberian flagged ships operating in or through the Gulf of Guinea Voluntary Reporting Area should transit with extreme caution and vigilance. For the security of human life at sea, when transiting the Gulf of Guinea and the waters near West Africa including coastal areas of the thirteen countries listed on the IMB report, all Liberian flagged vessels shall operate at security level II, continue to implement procedures in their approved Ship Security plan and be on the lookout for possible sightings of vessels engaged in piracy, or suspected to have engaged in piracy activities.