Maritime piracy: the unseen threat to shipping

• Main Author: Seow, Gina Tian Ru
• Other Authors: Kelvin Pang Ka Liong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Maritime studies
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/172676
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Piracy, a persistent maritime issue, poses significant threats to vessel safety and the mental well-being of seafarers. This report explores pirates’ choice of attack on various vessels, while shedding light on the mental well-being of seafarers during their voyages. Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to support the requirement for improved vessels in countering piracy and to understand seafarer's mental health condition. Methodology: Qualitative research method was utilised in this research. Virtual interview was conducted with ten current and former seafarers with piracy-encounter experience and thematically analysed. Findings: The findings revealed a strong correlation between pirates' choices of vessel attacks and factors such as low freeboard and low speed. The success rate of onboarding by pirates was reported to be less than half, with 20% involving hostage taking. In terms of mothership choice, pirates appeared to have no preference in their choice. Recommendation: This study proposes that there are still rooms for organisations to enhance their vessels’ capabilities against piracy. Examples include implementing onboard sensor trackers and security barriers. In addition, government regulations are important to curb corruption and deter piracy activities. Equipping seafarers with self-defence abilities is an area for consideration. Lastly, organisations are encouraged to place a stronger emphasis on mental health awareness and support. Keywords: Keywords: Piracy, Seafarers, Vessel Types, Mental Well-Being