In response to recent incidents of piracy against yachts transiting the Gulf of Aden, Yemeni and Somali waters the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has published guidelines for yachtsmen planning passages through the region.
While the best course of action would be to avoid these waters altogether, sailors determined to go are urged to advise naval authorities prior to voyaging.
The guidelines are a collaborative effort between ISAF and the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa. The document defines high risk areas and offers suggested routing, critical communications details and general advice on protecting your vessel and crew.
Mariners can download the guidelines as a PDF file at http://www.sailing.org/28144.php.
