Piracy continues to be a significant problem for shipping lines and smaller craft throughout the world. According to the International Chamber of Commerce’s Maritime Bureau, the worst places for piracy today are Bangladesh, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, the Malacca Straits between Malaysia and Sumatra, and the southern end of the Red Sea. Other dangerous areas include the coastal waters off Nigeria, the Philippines, the north and east coasts of Sri Lanka and the coasts of West Africa in general. Sailors should avoid regions of civil unrest.
