IMO has been combating maritime piracy for some time and a series of measures, developed with the co-operation of the littoral States and the support of the industry, helped significantly reduce piracy in the hot spots of the late 1990s and the early 2000s: the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
However, the problem has lately manifested itself in other parts of the world, most notably – but not exclusively – off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean.
IMO Conference on Capccity building to counter PIracy (15 May 2012)
IMO's work to combat maritime piracy
Resolution A.1044(27) adopted 30 November 2011 on Piracy and armed robbery against ships in waters of the coast of Somalia
Reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery on GISIS Links to quarterly and annual reports Guidance
Use of privately contracted armed security personnel
Download interim recommendations related to privately contracted armed security personnel
Responses received from port and coastal State requirements related to privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP)
Djibouti Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden was signed on 29 January 2009.
Djibouti Code of Conduct: Links to documents and list of signatories
Latest press briefings
London Somalia conference welcomed by IMO chief 24/02/2012
Wide-ranging anti-piracy campaign bearing fruit 16/12/2011
IMO Assembly adopts wide range of resolutions 01/12/2011
Piracy centres expand information network 11/11/2011
Regional training centre in Djibouti – foundation stone laid 31/10/2011
Latest speeches
5th International Forum on Maritime and Port Security 31/10/2011
International Conference on Piracy at Sea 17/10/2011
Videos
World Maritime Day 2011: "Piracy: orchestrating the response" video message
Photos
Piracy photos
World Maritime Day 2011: Piracy: Orchestrating the Response
WMD 2011 papers Message and background paper outlining IMO's work in response to piracy, particularly off the coast of Somalia
Maritime Knowledge Centre
Information Resources on piracy and armed robbery against ships