NATO Shipping Centre has issued its Weekly Piracy Assessment for period 13-20 March 2013. During this reporting period, there were no significant event to report. NSC advices the following: All masters are advised to maintain heightened vigilance when at anchor and when loitering/queuing as there may be a higher likelihood of these vessels being targeted by pirates.

Merchant vessels are reminded to remain vigilant while transiting this area and ensure that Self Protection Measures are in place as Pirate Attack Groups (PAGs) may be operating in the area. Although sea states in some parts of the HRA have become more marginal with the onset of the Northeast Monsoon season, small boats are still be able to operate. During the past few months there have been continued reports concerning suspicious activity in the HRA.

At 1646Z on 18 Feb, a report of suspicious activity at 0714.4N 05217.2E was received from a merchant ship.  The ship is safe.  Subsequently, there was a disruption in this vicinity and nine suspected pirates were apprehended and taken on board a EUNAVFOR unit.  An area of concern has been established centred on 0728.1N 05307.2E .

On 18 Dec an instance of suspicious activity occurred at the Bossaso anchorage. As the situation is currently ongoing an update will be provided as the information becomes available. A merchant vessel was attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Oman (GOO), 2435N 05734E, at 1540 hrs UTC on 15 Dec. All crew were able to take refuge in vessel's citadel. Pirates were not able to penetrate the citadel and did not remain on board. This vessel avoided being hijacked and is now safe. This Pirate Action Group (PAG) is assumed to still be in the area.

During the period from 7 November to 13 November, there were no piracy related incidents reported in the High Risk Area (HRA). However, there have been continuing reports of suspicious activity. Merchant vessels are advised to remain vigilant throughout the HRA and ensure that Self Protection Measures are in place, as Pirate Attack Groups (PAGs) are likely operating in the area. The Southwest Monsoon season has ended. Calmer weather conditions are allowing PAGs to operate further out from shore.

During the period from 31 October to 6 November, there were no piracy related incidents reported in the High Risk Area (HRA). However, there have been continuing reports of suspicious activity. Merchant vessels are advised to remain vigilant throughout the HRA and ensure that Self Protection Measures are in place, as Pirate Attack Groups (PAGs) are likely operating in the area.

During the reporting period of 04 to 10 July 2012 there have been no piracy incidents in the region. Activity in recent weeks shows that pirate activity can still take place during the South-West Monsoon and that pirates are operating closer to shore to avoid severe conditions further out to sea.  PAGs (Pirate Attack Groups) will likely continue to focus their efforts in the Northern Arabian Sea (NAS), Gulf of Oman (GOO) as well as in the Gulf of Aden (GOA), Southern Red Sea (SRS), and coastal waters.

During the reporting period of 07 to 13 June 2012 the number of piracy incidents in the High Risk Area (HRA) has remained low, with no piracy incident reported.

During the reporting period of 31 May to 06 June 2012 the number of piracy incidents in the High Risk Area (HRA) has remained low, with only one pirate approach reported.