While this section is titled “Piracy & Security,” it focuses primarily on yacht security worldwide, with some information related specifically to piracy.
Each world region listed below includes:
Reports of security incidents involving yachts and cruisers reported to Noonsite (dating back to 2008).
A summary of the current security situation for yachts in that region.
In addition, every country has a “Related Reports” section — accessible by clicking “Explore Country”, then the information icon and “Related Content.” For example: [Panama Security Reports].
These reports are not comprehensive lists of all crimes against yachts, but they do offer valuable insight into the relative safety of each country and where extra caution may be needed.
Each country also includes a dedicated Security section (under Explore Country → Profile) outlining key concerns for visiting yachts and linking to the most recent reports. For example: [Grenada Profile/Security].
For yachts cruising the Caribbean, The Caribbean Safety and Security Net provide detailed reports and updates from across the region.
Regions where yachts should exercise increased caution are highlighted at the bottom of this page, with links to additional resources and guidance.
Few threats have cast a longer shadow over cruising than piracy — a challenge mariners have faced for thousands of years and, in some areas, still confront today.
While the Gulf of Aden was once a global hotspot (including attacks on private yachts), successful pirate incidents there have declined dramatically. You can find updated guidance on security in the Red Sea at the link below.
Elsewhere, attacks against pleasure craft are now rare but continue to occur occasionally, particularly in remote anchorages — including parts of the Caribbean, Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, where reports of armed boardings persist.
Treat your yacht as you would your home. Leaving doors, hatches, or valuables unsecured invites trouble, even in what appear to be the most isolated anchorages.
Lock up when leaving the boat or turning in for the night.
Stow valuables out of sight and avoid leaving tempting items on deck at all times when in port/at anchor.
Plan ahead: Review the Noonsite security information for each country on your route, and for the Caribbean, check the excellent Caribbean Safety and Security Net.
For thieves, an unattended dinghy and outboard can represent the most valuable and easiest-to-steal equipment on board. Boats anchored near economically challenged communities are particularly vulnerable, but theft can happen almost anywhere.
When cruising long distances, your dinghy is not just a tender - it is your primary transport, your link to shore, and often one of the most expensive pieces of equipment you carry. Protect it accordingly.
At night, avoid leaving your dinghy floating astern. Hoist it onto the foredeck, secure it on davits, and lock it with a substantial security cable and lock. If possible, remove the outboard and store it in a locked locker, or secure it to the transom with a purpose-built outboard lock.
Just as importantly, don't become complacent during the day. The days of leaving a dinghy unattended behind the boat while you spend an hour below decks are largely gone. Many thefts occur in broad daylight while crews are occupied cooking, working, or resting inside. It takes only minutes for a thief to cut a painter, remove an outboard, and disappear.
The goal isn't to make your boat impossible to steal from - it's to make it a far less attractive target than the next one. Visible security measures, quality locks, and good habits are often enough to encourage thieves to move on.
Secure your dinghy whenever it is in the water, lock your outboard, and keep portable valuables out of sight. A few minutes spent protecting your gear can save days of inconvenience and thousands in replacement costs.
For additional guidance, see Self-defence and Deterring Attacks on Noonsite.
Prepare your crew: Have a clear security plan for passages and brief everyone on what to do if a suspicious vessel is spotted.
Float Plan: Prior to departure, complete and share a float plan with family and friends [USCG Float Plan – linked to Boating Emergency Guide].
Rescue Hotlines: Make sure all shore-based contacts know the dedicated 24/7 rescue hotlines to call if required [MRCC - Search and Rescue Contacts]
Departure and Arrival Notification: Let your shore-based contacts know when you depart AND that you have arrived safely.
On passage: Maintain a 24/7 watch and monitor VHF Channel 16, keep your AIS switched on AND your Navigation lights on.
See the “Self-defence and Deterring Attacks” section below for additional measures and practical advice.
If you experience a security incident, please report it both to local authorities and to Noonsite. Local reports help law enforcement take action, and your report helps keep the cruising community informed.
To report to Noonsite, email noonsite@noonsite.com with the following details:
Date and time of incident
Country/Port
Location (anchor/mooring/marina + coordinates)
Description of incident (with as much detail as possible)
Items stolen, damaged, or affected
Outcome
Whether you reported it to local authorities
If cruising in the Caribbean, please also submit your report to our partners at the Caribbean Safety and Security Net.
