IFC - Information Fusion Centre - MARSEC Weekly Report

Highlights:

A. Robbery events

5 sea theft events were reported during the last week :

- 1 in Taboneo anchorage, Indonesia (22/01);

- 1 in Begawan anchorage, Indonesia (26/01);

- 2 in Manila South Anchorages, Philippines (25 and 29/01);

- 1 in Eastern Approaches to Singapore Strait (28/01).

IFC always recommends to take some dispositions during any transit in Singapore strait, particularly at low speed and/or during the night :

• Take a previous contact before any transit in Singapore strait (sectors 7 to 9) with Singaporean authorities and timely reporting any suspicious activity : https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port-of-singapore/operations/vessel-traffic-information-system-vtis/operational-areas ;

• Increase vigilance in watch-keeping and deploy additional lookout ;

• Be wary of suspicious small boats approaching. Take photo of the suspicious boat and send to me as soon as possible ;

• Use CCTV cameras for coverage of vulnerable areas (if available) ;

• Keep ship's whistle, search lights and fog horn ready for immediate use ;

• Secure or lift external ladders to prevent their use and to restrict external access to the bridge ;

• Deploy Self-Protection Measures (SPM) eg. Rig the water spray hoses and foam monitors in a fixed position. Evasive manoeuvres have also been proven to deter perpetrators in the areas of concern ;

• Secure all doors and hatches providing access to the accommodation and machinery spaces ;

• Rig safety precautionary measures on the anchor cable hawse pipe while anchored.

Incidents occurred in 2020 (incident reported last week in white circle) :

B. Maritim terrorism

The curfew is still underway off Sabah (Malaysia) until 5th February, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., in the regions of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

The risk of maritime terrorism by Abu Sayyaf Groups (ASG) remains very high for vessels with low freeboards and / or low speed.

Two of the six men suspected to have kidnapped five fishermen in Malaysian waters earlier this month have been shot dead by Philippine security forces.

C. Maritime incidents

A tanker collided with container ship at around 2100 LT (UTC +8) Jan 22 in western Singapore Strait E of Karimunbesar Island. IFC reached out to the ship companies, found out that both ship suffered minor damages however, crew of both vessel are safe. In addition, both ship shared that their navigation and steering systems are working fine. This incident occurred due to avoidance of small fishing vessels in the vicinity.

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