U.S. Coast Guard Updates Anti-Piracy Directive

On December 3, 2010 the Coast Guard noticed in the Federal Register its most recent update of its anti-piracy guidance which is obligatory for U.S.-flag vessels and recommended for all other vessels. That guidance – Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 104-6, Guidelines for U.S. Vessels Operating in High Risk Waters – was most recently revised on May 12, 2010. The only change made in the publicly available version of the most recent update (Rev. 4 dated November 23, 2010) is to require that security measures be taken even when vessels are anchored or berthed in “High Risk Waters.” This extra caution apparently reflects both the extended range of pirate activity and the recent confirmation of a terrorist attack on a commercial vessel.