Loss Prevention Advice
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Over the past week 10-16 March, no incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia.
An advises to ships shall to continue to intensify vigilance, maintain a sharp look-out while anchoring or transiting areas of concern, including the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and report all incidents to the law enforcement agencies immediately; and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah
Situation update
For the 6th consecutive year, there has been no report of incident of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah. The last incident occurred on 17 Jan 2020. In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts further downgraded the threat level of ‘Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ to ‘LOW’, meaning ‘No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur’.
In its Advisory on 14 Feb 2025 advised ships to “exercise vigilance when transiting the Sulu-Celebes Seas and report incidents to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM)”. Also, to maintain communication with the relevant authorities when transiting the area.
Recommendations
Ship master and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
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The maritime activity across the Gulf and adjacent shipping systems remains heavily disrupted, as the conflict continues to distort commercial traffic patterns, energy flows, and maritime security conditions.
Outlook
The March 16 operating picture points to a maritime system that remains disrupted rather than frozen. Visible traffic through Hormuz remains extremely limited, reflecting continued operator reluctance to transit the corridor under current security conditions.
At the same time, the broader commercial response still reflects extreme caution. Vessel accumulation in the Gulf of Oman, reduced Bab el-Mandeb traffic, elevated Cape diversions, and mounting congestion at alternative hubs indicate that many operators continue to avoid direct exposure to the Gulf threat environment.
Maritime security risks are expanding beyond the Gulf theater, illustrated by the strike on the MARAN HOMER in the Black Sea and Russian activity near the damaged Arctic Metagaz platform.
In the near term, maritime activity is likely to remain defined by restricted transit through Hormuz, continued route redistribution across global corridors, and growing pressure on alternative export and transshipment infrastructure.
As the conflict enters its third week, the operational consequences are no longer limited to Gulf shipping alone but are increasingly shaping wider maritime security and trade patterns across multiple regions.
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A notice to strengthen collision prevention between merchant ships and fishing vessels in the in Coastal Waters of China.
China MSA issued a notice to all its affiliated Maritime Safety Administrations (MSAs) to strengthen collision prevention between merchant ships and fishing vessels, providing guidance aimed at improving navigation safety, reducing collision risks, and safeguarding both crews and vessels operating in China’s busy coastal waters. collision Prevention Between Merchant Ships and Fishing Vessels”
- Emphasizing shore-based monitoring and guidance
- The Notice explicitly requires shipowners and managers to implement a 24-hour shore-based watch-keeping system. Shore-based personnel are responsible for dynamically monitoring ships and receiving real-time warnings from competent authorities regarding waters with dense fishing vessels, high-risk areas, and concentrated port entry and exit of fishing vessels. They are also required to guide ships in conducting pre-voyage risk assessments, verifying voyage plans, collision avoidance protocols, and watch-keeping arrangements in fishing areas, while establishing a coordinated “shore-based and shipboard” collision prevention mechanism.
- While these requirements primarily apply to Chinese shipowners and Chinese-flagged vessels, it is recommended that all shipowners and ships adopt these measures as industry best practices.
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Safe and effective manual handling is essential at sea, as lifting and moving heavy objects is a routine part of daily work.
As part of the Ship-Shape series, demonstrates the correct way to lift and set down items safely, both alone and with a partner, as routine tasks onboard often involve moving heavy, bulky, or awkward objects, making proper manual handling techniques critical to prevent injury.
Key considerations:
- When lifting independently, proper training and consistent attention to lifting form are essential. Practicing safe techniques every time enables seafarers to work longer, stronger, and more safely—while significantly reducing the risk of injury.
- Proper lifting techniques are essential when handling items commonly found in warehouses or on-board ships. While some objects can be lifted alone, having assistance ensures safer handling. Correct technique—lifting with the legs while protecting the back—is critical to prevent injury.
- The proper setup involves bending at the knees, entering a squat position, and positioning the body underneath the load. Items should be lifted using the legs, not the back, and moved safely. When setting objects down, lowering them in a controlled, coordinated manner is important.
- Twisting motions should be avoided, and effort should come from the legs through the heels to reduce the risk of lower back pain, strains, and other injuries.
- Even when lifting independently, proper form requires bending at the knees, lifting through the legs, and keeping the back out of the movement. Controlled placement of the load ensures both safety and efficiency.
- Routine tasks, including walking long distances, checking equipment, and tightening lines, demand full-body engagement and can also serve as physical exercise. These activities require intentional movement, coordinating legs, arms, and core while maintaining focus. Tightening lines, for example, involves using both upper and lower body strength to secure them effectively.
- Stretching is important to maintain flexibility and prevent injury. Effective routines include toe touches, calf stretches, arm mobility exercises, and stretches for the sides of the body.
- Handling heavier equipment, such as mooring lines, requires careful attention to technique. Starting from a stable position, lifting with the legs, and maintaining full-body awareness reduces the risk of injury.
- Consistent practice improves both efficiency and safety, allowing physically demanding tasks to be performed over extended periods while minimizing strain or injury.