Global piracy attacks have increased significantly in recent years, with 171 reported incidents of successful or attempted assaults on merchant vessels in 2025 alone. Despite this alarming rise, the United Nations agency responsible for maritime safety has issued guidance discouraging merchant ship crews from arming themselves to defend against pirate attacks.
Escalating Piracy Threats on International Waters
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations-affiliated body, released its annual report in June highlighting a surge in piracy, particularly in strategic maritime corridors. The Strait of Malacca and surrounding waters near Singapore accounted for the majority of attacks, with 122 incidents recorded. The region’s geography—with narrow channels, heavy traffic, and numerous hiding spots—creates an environment conducive to piracy.
In August 2026, Somali pirates seized an Eritrean oil tanker, taking 90 sailors hostage. This incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by piracy off the Horn of Africa and the broader challenges faced by international shipping.
UN’s Stance Against Armed Defense on Merchant Ships
Following the tanker seizure, the IMO reiterated its longstanding position, originally outlined in a 2015 circular, that flag states should strongly discourage merchant mariners from carrying firearms for personal or ship protection. The agency cites legal and safety reasons, emphasizing that seafarers are civilians who often lack the specialized training required to handle firearms safely aboard ships.
The circular warns that the presence of firearms might provoke pirates to escalate violence by using more dangerous weapons. It also notes that weapons onboard can become targets themselves, potentially increasing the danger to crew members.
Additionally, the IMO cautions against the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on merchant vessels. While acknowledging that the carriage of armed guards is subject to the laws of the ship’s flag state, the agency highlights concerns that their presence could further escalate violent encounters at sea.
Legal Complexities and International Regulations
The IMO’s guidance also points out that merchant ships must comply with the laws of any port or territorial waters they enter. This creates a complex legal environment, as some countries maintain strict gun control policies that prohibit firearms onboard foreign vessels within their jurisdiction. Nations such as Australia and Japan exemplify this approach.
These legal restrictions complicate efforts to arm crews uniformly, even in regions with high piracy risks.
Calls for Armed Defense and Historical Context
Despite the UN’s recommendations, some maritime security experts and advocates argue that allowing merchant mariners to carry firearms could serve as a deterrent against pirate attacks. They contend that the potential for armed resistance might reduce the likelihood of vessels being targeted.
Historically, the United States has confronted piracy with naval force, notably during the First and Second Barbary Wars in the early 19th century. These conflicts arose after North African pirates seized American merchant ships and demanded tribute. The U.S. later established the West Indies Squadron to combat piracy in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
More recently, the U.S. Navy has engaged in anti-piracy operations off Somalia, including the high-profile 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking, which brought renewed attention to maritime security challenges.
Government Responses and Industry Reactions
The IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, urged countries to adhere to the agency’s guidance following the recent hostage crisis. However, U.S. maritime authorities have been reticent to comment on the effectiveness of these recommendations. The Department of War and Maritime Administration (MARAD) declined to provide a statement, instead referring inquiries to the U.S. Coast Guard, which did not respond.
Some research from organizations like the Crime Prevention Research Center suggests that right-to-carry laws correlate with reductions in violent crime by increasing risks for offenders. However, the applicability of such findings to maritime piracy remains uncertain and unaddressed by key experts.
Conclusion: Balancing Safety and Security at Sea
The rising tide of piracy presents a complex challenge for international maritime security. While the United Nations agency responsible for maritime safety advises against arming merchant crews due to legal, safety, and escalation concerns, the ongoing hostage situations and frequent attacks highlight the vulnerability of civilian mariners.
Resolving this dilemma requires balancing the risks of armed defense against the potential for increased violence, navigating international legal frameworks, and enhancing cooperative security measures. As piracy continues to threaten global trade routes, the debate over how best to protect merchant vessels remains a pressing issue for governments, maritime organizations, and the crews who operate on the high seas.
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