Navigating Troubled Waters

Since the early 1990s, rampant piracy off the coast of Somalia has become a major issue for global trade and security, prompting strong responses from the international community.

Somalia's marine area is poised to be a significant driver in the country's social and economic growth, with the longest coastline in continental Africa and a location next to some of the world's busiest shipping routes. That is why of the main reasons that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) is worried about the lack of capability to adequately administer Somali maritime space, which has been highlighted by piracy.

Somalia has been in the grip of a political crisis, with tensions between its president and prime minister at an all-time high. The UNSC (United Nations Security Council) agreed in December 2021, in collaboration with the Somali government, to prolong all international navy operations for a further three months. Operation Atalanta, also known as EU NAVFOR Somalia, the US-led Combin Joint Taskforce-Horn of Africa, and NATO's Operation Ocean Shield are among them. As the deadline approaches, one of the naval operations that may be affected is EU NAVFOR, which has been combatting piracy in Somalia's waterways for the past 14 years. The European Union, NATO, and others began deploying naval troops to the region 14 years ago, immediately after the UN Security Council authorized warships to enter Somali territorial seas.

Today, many people regard piracy as a latent danger rather than a totally repressed one, which can be linked in part to difficulties with unregulated fishing by foreign vessels in Somali seas. But let’s see how pirates operate in this area.

Pirates are members of Pirate Action Groups (PAGs), using a variety of boat types, often small high-speed (up to 25 mph) open boats, skiffs, or motherships. When motherships are employed, the crew is frequently held captive on board. Attacks can occur at any time of day or night, although history suggests that attacks during dawn and dusk are most common. Sea mines have been deployed to dissuade and prevent entry to Yemen's important ports. Transiting commerce ships are not a target, and ships traveling through the region are advised to use the MSTC. Water-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (WBIED) assaults against warships and trade ships have occurred in the southern Red Sea/BAM/western region of the Gulf of Aden.

 “International piracy has decreased significantly since 2013, owing to a decrease in Somali-related incidents on Africa's east coast”

International piracy has decreased significantly since 2013, owing to a decrease in Somali-related incidents on Africa's east coast. Piracy in the Gulf of Aden has been decreased because of coordinated measures by regional and international naval forces. Due to local politics, the EU's main naval operation faces losing authority to hunt pirates in Somalia's waterways. They are also looking to expand their presence, with pending agreements on Atalanta anti-piracy operations in the seas of Djibouti, Mauritius, and Seychelles, according to an EU internal report. Furthermore, the Somali government argues that if a further extension is authorized, Operation Atalanta must focus more on illicit fishing and toxic waste dumping.

If the UN resolution expires in March, Atalanta's legal authority to operate off the coast of Somalia would be revoked. Aside from counter-piracy, the operation protects WFP (World Food Programme) vessels transporting relief to Somali refugees.

The EU claims that without access to Somalia's territorial waters, EU NAVFOR's ability to conduct counter-piracy operations in the region will be severely hampered.

Since March 2017, there have been no known pirate assaults or hijackings in Somalia. Somalia's piracy "has been controlled but may not have been extinguished." There is still the possibility of a security vacuum, which would be devastating for Somalia and the region.

Since Somalia's seas have a rich fish supply, many pirates have returned to fishing, and because the waters are safe, Egyptian, Chinese, Iranian, and other fishing vessels fish illegally. The majority of illicit fishing occurs off the coast of Somalia, and has done so for decades. Fishermen believe security has improved since the EU force was deployed. However, there is still a risk that the pirate cycle may be repeated. Somalia appears to have enough time to act to safeguard the country's maritime resources.

Actual and attempted Somali piracy attacks between 1993 and 2021, and evolution of Somali piracy networks.

Seagull Maritime's vast experience stems from providing security for thousands of vessels around the world, that is why we have prepared a list of recommendations for those who operate in this region:

Conduct Risk Assessments

Companies must conduct risk assessments and improve their ship protection measures.

Implement Ship Protection Measures

- Harden the ship.

- Brief and train the crew.

- Enhanced lookout.

- Follow Flag State and military guidance.

Report

- Report to UKMTO and register with MSCHOA.

- Report incidents and suspicious activity.

- Send distress signal when attacked.

Cooperate

- Cooperate with other shipping and military forces, law enforcement to preserve evidence and welfare providers.

- Drills are carried out to ensure that the alarm is heard throughout the ship. The drill will confirm the time necessary for all crew to move to a position of safety.

Watch Keeping And Enhanced Vigilance

The Master should implement the following actions to assist in raising vigilance on board:

- Provide additional, fully-briefed lookouts.

- Maintain an all-round lookout from an elevated position.

- Consider shorter rotation of the watch period to maximize alertness of the lookouts.

- Maintain sufficient binoculars for the enhanced bridge team, preferably anti-glare.

- Consider the use of thermal imagery optics and night vision aids as they provide a reliable all-weather, day and night surveillance capability.

- Maintain a careful radar watch and monitor all navigational warnings and communications, particularly VHF and GMDSS alerts.

- Consider placing well-constructed dummies at strategic locations around the ship to give the impression of greater numbers of crew on watch.

- Consider using CCTV and fixed searchlights for better monitoring.

- Mount anti-piracy mirrors on the bridge wings to make looking aft easier.

Maneuvering

- The Master and officers should practice ship maneuvering to become acquainted with the ship's handling characteristics. The Master should also practice avoidance maneuvers at the fastest possible speed. Experience has shown that such action can defeat even the most determined and lengthy attack, as the generation of hydrostatic pressure has a greater defensive impact than speed.

Alarms

The ship's alarms notify the crew of an impending attack and warn the attacker that the ship is aware and reacting. Furthermore, the constant sounding of the ship's whistle may distract the attackers. It is critical that the alarms are distinct in order to avoid confusion. Crewmembers are familiar with each alarm, particularly those indicating an attack and indicating 'all clear.' All alarms are accompanied by an announcement over the accommodation and deck PA systems, if available.  Drills are conducted to ensure that the alarm is audible throughout the ship. The drill will confirm the amount of time required for all crewmembers to move to a safe location.