Piracy and Armed Robbery in IMO GISIS

Why Piracy and Armed Robbery Still Matter in Global Shipping

Despite major advances in ship technology, satellite tracking, and maritime security frameworks, piracy and armed robbery against ships remain a real and persistent threat to global shipping. While the scale and geographic patterns of piracy have changed over time, the risk has not disappeared. Instead, it has evolved—shifting between regions, adapting tactics, and exploiting new vulnerabilities.

Piracy incidents affect:

The safety and lives of seafarers
The security of ships and cargo
The cost and reliability of global trade
The stability of coastal regions and sea lanes

For ship operators, piracy is not an abstract risk. It directly influences voyage planning, crew training, insurance premiums, routing decisions, and onboard security measures. For States and international organizations, piracy represents a complex challenge that lies at the intersection of maritime safety, security, criminal law, and international cooperation.

To address this challenge, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) plays a central coordinating role. One of its key tools is the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS), which includes a dedicated module on Piracy and Armed Robbery. This module collects and presents reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships, submitted by IMO Member States.

This article provides a comprehensive introduction and practical guide to the Piracy and Armed Robbery option in GISIS. It explains what piracy and armed robbery are, why reporting matters, how the GISIS module works, what information it contains, and how it supports safer shipping worldwide.

Understanding GISIS and Its Role in Maritime Security Information

What Is the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS)?

The IMO GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) is an online platform managed by the International Maritime Organization that provides transparent and reliable data on ships, companies, flag States, and maritime compliance. It brings together information on safety, security, pollution prevention, port State control, and casualty reports in one place. For seafarers, maritime professionals, researchers, and regulators, IMO GISIS is a trusted tool to check vessel records, track compliance with IMO conventions, and understand global shipping performance. Its free public access supports safer seas, better regulation, and informed decision-making across the maritime industry.

The Piracy and Armed Robbery module is one of the key maritime security-related components of GISIS.

What Is Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships?

Legal Definition of Piracy

Under international law, piracy is defined primarily by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In simplified terms, piracy involves:

Illegal acts of violence, detention, or depredation
Committed for private ends
On the high seas or outside the jurisdiction of any State
By the crew or passengers of a private ship against another ship

This definition is legally strict and applies mainly to attacks occurring beyond territorial waters.

Armed Robbery Against Ships

Many attacks against ships occur within territorial waters, ports, or anchorages. These incidents do not meet the legal definition of piracy under UNCLOS. Instead, they are classified as armed robbery against ships.

Armed robbery against ships typically involves:

Theft of stores, cargo, or equipment
Threats or violence against crew
Boarding of ships at anchor or alongside
Criminal activity within a State’s jurisdiction

Both piracy and armed robbery pose serious risks, even though they fall under different legal regimes.

Why the IMO Monitors Piracy and Armed Robbery

Impact on Seafarer Safety

Piracy incidents often involve:

Physical violence
Psychological trauma
Kidnapping and hostage-taking
Long-term mental health consequences

Protecting seafarers is a core IMO objective.

Impact on Global Trade and Supply Chains

Piracy affects:

Shipping routes and transit times
Insurance and security costs
Freight rates
Reliability of maritime logistics

Even localized piracy can disrupt global supply chains.

Need for Reliable, Global Data

Effective prevention requires:

Accurate reporting
Consistent definitions
Reliable trend analysis

The GISIS piracy module provides a central, authoritative dataset for this purpose.

Purpose of the Piracy and Armed Robbery Module in GISIS

Core Objectives

The Piracy and Armed Robbery module aims to:

Collect reports of piracy and armed robbery incidents
Improve transparency and situational awareness
Support analysis of trends and risk patterns
Assist States, IMO bodies, and industry stakeholders
Strengthen international cooperation

It is an information and monitoring tool, not an operational response system.

What Information Is Included in the GISIS Piracy Module?

Types of Data Collected

Reported incidents in GISIS may include information such as:

Date and time of the incident
General location or region
Type of incident (piracy or armed robbery)
Nature of the attack (boarding, attempted boarding, firing, theft, etc.)
Consequences for crew and ship

The level of detail depends on the information submitted by Member States.

Data Source and Reliability

All data in the GISIS piracy module is:

Submitted by IMO Member States
Based on official reports and notifications
Managed and presented by the IMO Secretariat

This makes GISIS an authoritative reference, distinct from private or media-based piracy reports.

Who Reports Piracy and Armed Robbery Incidents?

Role of Shipmasters and Companies

When an incident occurs, the ship’s master typically:

Reports the incident to coastal authorities
Notifies the flag State
Submits reports through company security channels

These reports form the basis for national submissions.

Role of Coastal and Flag States

States are responsible for:

Collecting incident reports
Investigating where appropriate
Submitting information to the IMO

GISIS reflects State-validated information, not unverified claims.

How to Access the Piracy and Armed Robbery Module in GISIS

Step 1: Access the GISIS Public Area

Users access GISIS through the IMO website under the Public Area.

Step 2: Select “Piracy and Armed Robbery”

From the list of modules, select Piracy and Armed Robbery.

Step 3: Review Available Incident Information

Users can:

View reported incidents
Understand geographic patterns
Use the information for education, planning, and analysis

Difference Between GISIS and Other Piracy Reporting Systems

GISIS vs Regional Reporting Centres

Other well-known piracy reporting mechanisms include:

Regional maritime security centres
Naval coordination platforms
Industry reporting systems

GISIS differs because it:

Is managed by the IMO
Relies on official State submissions
Focuses on governance and policy support

GISIS vs Media Reports

Media reports may:

Be incomplete or inaccurate
Use inconsistent terminology
Focus on dramatic incidents

GISIS provides structured, official data, suitable for long-term analysis.

Importance of Reporting Piracy Incidents

Why Reporting Matters

Accurate reporting helps:

Identify high-risk areas
Improve naval and coast guard deployment
Develop targeted prevention measures
Support international cooperation

Under-reporting can lead to:

False perception of safety
Inadequate response
Continued risk to seafarers

Confidentiality and Sensitivity

Some operators hesitate to report incidents due to:

Reputational concerns
Insurance implications
Fear of delays

IMO encourages reporting while respecting confidentiality and safety considerations.

How GISIS Piracy Data Is Used

By the IMO and Its Committees

IMO bodies use piracy data to:

Monitor global security trends
Develop guidelines and circulars
Support capacity-building initiatives

By Governments and Maritime Administrations

States use GISIS information to:

Assess national and regional risk levels
Improve maritime security policies
Coordinate with neighbouring States

By Industry and Academia

Shipowners, insurers, and researchers use GISIS data to:

Support risk assessments
Develop training materials
Conduct academic and policy research

Relationship with the ISPS Code and Maritime Security

ISPS Code Overview

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, sets requirements for:

Ship security plans
Ship security officers
Port facility security

Piracy risk is a key driver behind these measures.

GISIS as a Supporting Tool

The piracy module complements:

ISPS Code implementation
Ship security assessments
Security level determination

Regional Patterns of Piracy and Armed Robbery

Changing Geography of Piracy

Over time, piracy has:

Declined in some regions due to naval action
Increased in others due to economic or political instability
Shifted from hijacking to kidnapping or theft

GISIS allows users to observe long-term trends, not just short-term spikes.

Importance of Regional Cooperation

Effective piracy suppression often requires:

Joint patrols
Information sharing
Legal cooperation

GISIS supports this by providing a shared information baseline.

Piracy, Armed Robbery, and Seafarer Welfare

Human Impact Beyond Statistics

Behind every piracy report are:

Crewmembers exposed to violence
Families affected by trauma
Long-term psychological consequences

Addressing piracy is therefore a humanitarian as well as security obligation.

Relationship with Other GISIS Modules

The Piracy and Armed Robbery module is closely linked with:

Maritime Security – ISPS Code implementation
Ship and Company Particulars – vessel identification
Search and Rescue (SAR) – emergency response
Marine Casualties and Incidents – safety outcomes
Port State Control – post-incident inspections

Together, these modules provide a comprehensive maritime security picture.

Common Misunderstandings About Piracy Data

“Piracy Is Only a Problem in One Region”

Piracy can occur anywhere maritime governance is weak.

“Declining Reports Mean No Risk”

Lower reporting may reflect:

Under-reporting
Changes in tactics
Shifts to other forms of maritime crime

Best Practices for Using the GISIS Piracy Module

Use GISIS as an official reference source
Combine GISIS data with regional security advice
Integrate piracy awareness into crew training
Use trends, not single incidents, for planning

Educational Value for Maritime Training and Academia

For maritime education, this module provides:

Real-world examples of maritime crime
Insight into international security cooperation
Data for case studies and policy analysis

It is particularly useful for:

Maritime security courses
Ship management training
Maritime law and governance studies
Seafarer safety programs

The Future of Piracy Monitoring in GISIS

Evolving Threats

Future challenges may include:

Cyber-enabled piracy support
Insider threats in ports
Links between piracy and organized crime

Importance of Continuous Reporting

As threats evolve, accurate and timely reporting through national channels and GISIS will remain essential.

Conclusion: Information as a Tool Against Maritime Crime

The Piracy and Armed Robbery option in the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System plays a vital role in the international response to maritime crime. By collecting and presenting official reports from IMO Member States, GISIS provides a trusted, transparent, and global overview of piracy risks.

For seafarers, shipowners, administrations, educators, researchers, and policymakers, this module offers more than statistics. It provides situational awareness, historical perspective, and evidence needed to protect lives, ships, and trade.

In a maritime world where security threats can emerge quickly and shift geographically, shared information is one of the strongest defenses. Through GISIS, the IMO ensures that piracy and armed robbery are not hidden problems, but visible challenges that the global maritime community can address together.

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