IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
Before 1992, shipmasters and ship operators had nowhere to turn to when their ships were attacked, robbed or hijacked either in port or out at sea. Local law enforcement either turned a deaf ear, or chose to ignore that there was a serious problem in their waters. The International Maritime Bureau aware of the escalating level of piracy, wanted to provide a free service to the seafarer and established the 24 hour IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC) follows the definition of Piracy as laid down in Article 101 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Armed Robbery as laid down in Resolution A.1025 (26) adopted on 2 December 2009 at the 26th Assembly Session of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Before 1992, shipmasters and ship operators had nowhere to turn to when their ships were attacked, robbed or hijacked either in port or out at sea. Local law enforcement either turned a deaf ear, or chose to ignore that there was a serious problem in their waters.
Established in 1992, IMB PRC offers a 24-hour and free service for shipmasters to report any piracy, armed robbery or stowaway incidents.
PRC is an independent and non-governmental agency based in Kuala Lumpur. We aim to raise awareness within the shipping industry of high risk areas with pirate attacks and specific ports/anchorages where armed robberies on board ships have occurred.
How we work
PRC acts as a single point of contact for shipmasters anywhere in the world whose vessels have been attacked or robbed by pirates. All information received is immediately relayed to the local law enforcement agencies requesting assistance. Information is also immediately broadcast to all vessels in the Ocean region, providing vital intelligence and increasing awareness.
We share information with the IMO, governmental, inter-governmental and law enforcement agencies including industry bodies to understand the nature of piracy and reduce its effects on crew, vessel and cargo.
As a trusted point of contact, PRC is able to immediately identify any trends and shift in patterns and alert all concerned parties.
Funding
Our services are free and funded purely by donations. If you believe our work is essential in raising awareness about piracy and protecting seafarers’ lives, please support it by making a contribution. Donations are acknowledged on our website and in the quarterly and annual piracy and armed robbery reports. Click here to make a donation.
CLICK HERE to report an incident to the 24-hour manned Piracy Reporting Centre
CLICK HERE to download and complete a Piracy & Armed Robbery Report