The Round Table of international shipping associations and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) have issued new advice to merchant ship operators on the areas in the Indian Ocean defined as high-risk.

The industry group which has redefined the boundaries includes BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO. The reduction to the High Risk Area has taken account of recent shipping industry experience, pirate intent and capability. It has followed extensive consultation with nations, collations and military naval forces, including Combined Maritime Forces, EUNAVFOR and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The regional UKHO Maritime Security Chart (Q6099), will be updated by a Notice to Mariners and a new version produced to reflect these changes which take effect from May 1st 2019. The associations also emphasized that, in view of the continuing threat of pirate attacks, shipping companies had to continue to maintain full compliance with BMP5 and be vigilant in their voluntary reporting on piracy incidents, etc.

https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/risksissues/piracy/
http://www.nepia.com/insights/industry-news/indian-ocean-%E2%80%93-changes-to-the-high-risk-area/
https://www.admiralty.co.uk/maritime-safety-information/security-related-information-to-mariners

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