Permanent security presence needed in Singapore Strait - Dryad Maritime

The six attacks last week bring the total number of similar reported incidents in the Singapore Strait to 75 this year, according to Dryad. In the last 10 weeks it said there had been 27 incidents within a 15nm radius of Pulau Nipah.

“Although local VTIS have broadcast reports of incidents, there has been very little involvement from regional security forces. The response of deploying a patrol boat to the area after the event can be seen as too little, too late,” Dryad commented.

“These events show a need for a permanent security presence in this area during the hours of darkness and, until this has been put in place, these boardings and robberies can be expected to continue unhindered.”

In the present situation vessels will have to make their own security arrangements, and noted that the attacks were opportunistic in nature with no specific types of vessels being targeted.

Dryad recommended all low access points, non-essential entry and exit points and machinery compartments are secured and that extra lookouts should be posted while in the Straits.

“A high visual presence on the upper deck is often enough to prevent a vessel being targeted, patrols should ideally consist of at least two crew members,” the company said.