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In this feature, SeaVoices draws on the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP ISC)’s extensive experience in monitoring to maritime incidents across the region — providing seafarers with valuable, real-world insights on how to stay safe and prepared at sea.
Strengthening maritime safety requires collective vigilance, the timely sharing of information, and close collaboration among all stakeholders.
Shipmasters and crew play a crucial role in this shared responsibility by adhering to best management practices and promptly reporting incidents, emphasises Mr Vijay Chafekar, Executive Director of ReCAAP ISC.
“When it comes to safety at sea, timely reporting enables coastal authorities to respond swiftly.”
Unlike in other parts of the world where piracy often involves violence, “most incidents in Asia are low-level thefts committed by opportunistic perpetrators”.
Mr Chafekar cites the ReCAAP ISC’s 3Q 2025 Report (Jan–Sep), which recorded 119 incidents, comprising two piracy cases and 117 sea robberies, reflecting a 68% increase from 71 incidents in 2024.
The Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) remain the main area of concern, accounting for 82% (97 cases), mainly in the Philip Channel, where opportunistic thieves target engine spares, ship stores, and unsecured items, often at night.
According to Mr Chafekar, coordinated law enforcement efforts have yielded positive results. The number of incidents in the SOMS has declined sharply. From an average of 13 incidents per month from January to July 2025, to two incidents in August, one incident in September, and one incident in October. This demostrates that “swift and decisive enforcement remains the strongest deterrent”.
Through its comprehensive information-sharing network, ReCAAP ISC enables seafarers and shipowners to make informed decisions well before risk materialises.
“The data analytics of ReCAAP ISC not only enables ships to make proper risk assessment and voyage planning, but it also enables them to anticipate what to expect in the area of concern and how to respond with preventive measures,” Mr Chafekar reports.
“The fact that in a large number of cases the perpetrators could not steal anything or had to abandon the attempt is testimony of successful preventive measures.”
Before and during transit through vulnerable areas, Mr Chafekar advises shipmasters and crew to increase vigilance by:
Mr Chafekar referenced a recent case where an act of attentiveness prevented loss.
On 10 September 2025, a duty watchman on an oil tanker spotted an intruder near the paint store. His immediate alert to the bridge triggered an alarm, prompting the intruder to flee. Nothing was stolen, and no one was harmed.
“As a result of the crew’s alertness, nothing was stolen and no crew members were injured. The master subsequently reported the incident to authorities,” Mr Chafekar shares.
Even at sea, seafarers are always within reach of real-time information. ReCAAP offers various tools to support proactive safety management.
These resources emphasise one key message: remaining informed is the basis of staying safe.
Seafarers’ vigilance, awareness, and readiness to act decisively make all the difference between an incident and a safe voyage. By staying informed and proactive, every crew member contributes to the shared responsibility of keeping the seas secure.
Mr Chafekar remarks, “When all stakeholders take ownership of safety, Asia’s waters become safer for all.”
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