Piracy & Security in the Gulf of Aden / Indian Ocean Transit

(Updated November 2025)

The coordinated efforts of coalition naval forces, together with international maritime and political organisations, have had a dramatic impact on piracy levels in the western Indian Ocean since 2011. As piracy incidents declined, increasing numbers of yachts began again making the Red Sea passage.

However, in early 2024, Houthi militia in Yemen began using drones and missiles against commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea. This led many cruising yachts to alter their plans, viewing the situation as fluid and unpredictable.

As of November 2025, the Houthis have announced a suspension of maritime operations, but mariners should remain cautious - such statements may be temporary or politically motivated, and conditions can change rapidly.

Crossing the Red Sea in Both Directions – Key Information and Guidance

• BMP (Best Management Practices) Maritime Security - The primary maritime security reference for vessels transiting high-risk waters. It provides guidance to plan voyages, and detect, avoid, deter, delay and report any attacks or suspicious activity.

• UKMTO – Recent Incidents - Regularly updated reports on maritime security in the region.

• Marine Security Advisory - Removal of the High Risk Area (HRA) - The Indian Ocean High Risk Area designation was officially lifted on 1 January 2023, reflecting a decade of declining pirate activity. Some commercial operators, however, continue to employ private maritime security as a precaution.

• Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC)

• Safety4Sea - Key measures for vessels calling at ports in conflict zones

• World Sailing Piracy Update (Oct 2022) - Strategic overview of piracy risk to recreational craft.

The High Risk Area (HRA) and Current Situation

Although the HRA designation has been removed, security vigilance remains essential.
Commercial shipping continues to report isolated suspicious approaches off Somalia and Yemen, and naval patrols remain active.

• MSCIO (Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean) – formerly MSCHOA – and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) continue to monitor the region.

• All yachts and leisure craft are strongly advised to register their passage with both MSCIO and UKMTO before entering the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA).

• Military assets (surface vessels and aircraft) remain present and responsive in the area.

MSCIO Current Advice for Yachts

MSCIO recommends:

• Register your transit via the MSCIO website before entering the Gulf of Aden.

• Maintain continuous vigilance, both visually and electronically.

• Conduct a voyage-specific risk assessment and implement a Ship Security Plan aligned with the latest BMP guidelines.

• Follow flag-state and naval guidance at all times.

• Be skeptical of unofficial announcements (including Houthi communications).

• Do not respond to instructions to alter course or activate AIS unless directed by recognised military authorities.

• Consider limiting your AIS transmission to “receive only” in higher-risk zones, and ensure all electronic systems are secure.

Navigation Chart

• UKHO Maritime Security Chart Q6099 – essential for all yachts planning the transit. Available via the UK Hydrographic Office.

Registering Your Passage

Who to Register With

Two key organisations monitor and coordinate information for all vessels in the region:

• MSCIO (Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean)

• UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations)

All yachts are strongly encouraged to register with both upon entering the Voluntary Reporting Area.

What to Expect

• Once registered, yachts may be asked to provide daily position reports (by email or phone) if not transmitting via satellite tracking (e.g., AIS or Iridium).

• UKMTO recommends satellite communication due to unreliable GSM coverage along the Yemeni and Somali coasts.

• Your position reports enable ongoing situational awareness and coordination of military assistance if needed.

Emergency Contact

In the event of a suspected pirate attack or hostile approach:

• Make a distress call on VHF Channel 16.

• Telephone UKMTO:

  • +971 5055 23215

  • +44 2392 222060

• Follow up with a UKMTO After Action Report once safe.

Be aware that military authorities prioritise commercial shipping, and direct intervention for yachts cannot be guaranteed. Their primary value lies in monitoring, coordination, and early warning for all vessels.

Additional Considerations for Yachts on Passage

• Avoid sailing alone. Where possible, join a convoy or coordinate transit with other yachts.

• Plan your timing carefully: Avoid loitering near the Yemeni coast or Bab el Mandeb Strait. Transit during daylight where visibility is best.

• Keep watches active 24/7 — with radar, AIS, and visual checks.

• Secure all valuables and maintain readiness to lock down the vessel quickly.

• Fuel and provisions: Ensure redundancy — there are limited safe ports between Djibouti and Port Sudan.

• AIS management: Consider turning AIS off or switching to receive-only mode in high-risk zones, reactivating it in monitored or controlled areas.

• Communications: Maintain contact with nearby vessels and relay positions via MSCIO/UKMTO updates.

• Documentation: Keep digital and paper copies of all registration, insurance, and identification documents in multiple secure locations.

Community Support

Red Sea Passage Facebook Group – a private, invitation-only group of over 800 members including yachts currently transiting, recent completers, and shoreside support contacts across Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Djibouti, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt.

It provides up-to-date, peer-verified information and maintains a live spreadsheet of transiting yachts.

To request membership, email moderator Wade Alarie: wade@joana.ca.

See Wade's latest report: Crossing the Red Sea in both Directions - Tips and Advice

Summary

While piracy in the Gulf of Aden has sharply declined, the security situation remains dynamic due to regional conflict. Yachts transiting the Red Sea should remain vigilant, follow BMP and naval guidance, and register with UKMTO and MSCIO for situational awareness and support.

Safe passage requires careful planning, communication, and continuous awareness — but with preparation and prudence, many yachts continue to make successful transits each season.

Last updated:  November 2025