📰 Why in the News?
According to the International Maritime Bureau, the first quarter of 2025 has witnessed a notable rise in piracy and armed robbery incidents at sea worldwide.
🛡️ About the IMB
- The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a non-profit organization founded in 1981, dedicated to combating maritime crimes such as fraud, piracy, and malpractice.
- It functions as a specialized division of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
- IMB serves as a central platform for:
=) Sharing intelligence
=) Facilitating cooperation among governments, shipping companies, and law enforcement agencies
📍 Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The PRC is IMB’s operational hub for tracking piracy and maritime crime
- Key Services:
=) Provides daily broadcasts via Inmarsat-C SafetyNET on piracy/robbery threats
=) Reports incidents to law enforcement and the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
=) Aids in the apprehension of pirates
=) Offers support to shipowners and crew after attacks
=) Shares real-time updates through online alerts, emails, and Twitter
=) Publishes quarterly and annual reports on piracy trends
- Free of charge services for all ships, regardless of flag or ownership
🚢 Additional IMB Functions
- Locates missing ships and vessels hijacked by pirates
- Recovers stolen cargo
- Provides customized maritime risk reports (paid service)
- Offers mediation and arbitration to resolve maritime disputes without litigation
🌐 International Support and Recognition
- The United Nations IMO Resolution A.504(XII) (1981) urges all nations and maritime stakeholders to share information and cooperate with the IMB.
- IMB holds observer status with INTERPOL, further expanding its global enforcement network.
- It works closely with international bodies to develop maritime security guidelines, raise awareness, and promote best practices in shipping and trade.