Most offshore passages are safe. Most anchorages are peaceful. But a few regions of the world present genuine, documented risk — and the sailors who transit them without preparation are the ones who appear in incident reports. These guides cover the threat picture honestly, the mitigation measures that work, and the resources that give you current intelligence rather than outdated assumptions.
Global Piracy Risk Areas for Sailors
Where genuine risk remains today — Gulf of Guinea, Red Sea, Sulu Sea, Venezuelan coast — and why current advisories matter more than any static guide.
- Gulf of Guinea: highest global risk
- Houthi activity closes Red Sea
- Noonsite + FCO/State Dept as sources
Security Measures for Passages Through Risk Areas
Convoy procedures, the IRTC corridor, MSCHOA registration, UKMTO reporting, the citadel concept, and the armed guard question for yachts.
- Register with MSCHOA before Gulf of Aden
- Daily UKMTO position reports
- Citadel: the last-resort protocol
Marina and Anchorage Security
Dinghy theft prevention, outboard security, boarding deterrents, crime hotspots by region, and how to use the cruiser intelligence network before you drop the hook.
- Dinghy: the #1 petty crime target
- Lock companionway even when aboard
- Community intel before new anchorages
Personal Safety for the Offshore Crew
MOB prevention, jackline setup, PLB vs. AIS MOB beacons, lifejacket selection, night watch discipline, and medical emergencies when you are days from help.
- 1-meter tether: you stay aboard
- PLB vs. AIS MOB: carry both
- Medlink via Iridium for offshore medical
A Note on Currency
Security conditions change faster than any editorial resource can track. The information in these guides reflects the threat picture as of publication, but risk levels in places like the Gulf of Guinea, the Red Sea, and the Philippines can shift within weeks. Always cross-reference with Noonsite.com, the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, and the US State Department travel advisories before finalizing any passage plan through a region of concern.