International Maritime Bureau (IMB)

International Maritime Bureau Latest News

Global Maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents have seen a noticeable increase in the first three months of 2025, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

About International Maritime Bureau

• The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a non-profit-making organisation,established in 1981, to act as a focal point in the fight against all types of maritime fraud, malpractice, and piracy. 
• It is a specialised division of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
• It serves as a platform for cooperation and information sharing among various stakeholders, including governments, shipping companies, and law enforcement agencies. 
• By acting as a central hub for reporting and disseminating information on maritime crimes, the IMB helps in preventing and combating piracy, armed robbery, and other illicit activities that pose a threat to the safety of ships and crew members.
• The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre is located at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• The key services of the PRC are:
  • Issuing daily status reports on piracy and armed robbery to ships via broadcasts on the Inmarsat-C SafetyNET service. 
  • Reporting piracy and armed robbery at sea incidents to law enforcement and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
  • Helping local law enforcement apprehend pirates and assist in bringing them to justice. 
  • Assisting shipowners whose vessels have been attacked or hijacked.
  • Assisting crew members whose vessels have been attacked. 
  • Providing updates on pirate activity via the Internet, twitter, and email alerts.
  • Publishing comprehensive quarterly and annual reports detailing piracy statistics. 
• The services of the PRC are provided free of charge to all ships irrespective of their ownership or flag. 
• The IMB also locates lost ships or ships seized by pirates, recovers stolen cargoes, and prepares customised reports on a chargeable basis. 
• The United Nations (UN) International Maritime Organization (IMO), in its resolution A 504 (XII) (9) adopted on 20 November 1981, has, among other things, urged all governments,interests, and organizations to exchange information and provide appropriate co-operation with the IMB. 
• The IMB also has an observer status with the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO – INTERPOL). 
• Through its expertise and extensive network, the IMB offers mediation and arbitration services, helping parties involved in maritime disputes to reach amicable settlements and avoid costly legal proceedings.
• IMB actively engages in advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote best practices in maritime security and trade facilitation. 
• It collaborates withinternational organizations, such as the IMO, to develop guidelines and standards aimed at enhancing the security and efficiency of global shipping operations.

Source: MI

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