Latest travel advice from the ozzie Gov

[idlerboat 116]

Travel Bulletin

from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Travelling by Sea

This Bulletin is current for Tuesday, 15 November 2011.

The Bulletin was issued on Tuesday, 15 November 2011, 16:33:46, EST.

Summary

 

There are high levels of piracy in coastal areas of many countries around the world. Kidnapping for ransom can also occur.

Attacks by Somali pirates against all forms of shipping in the Indian Ocean are increasing in frequency. All forms of shipping are attractive targets for Somali pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (such as yachts) and luxury cruise liners. Pirates have reportedly attacked shipping further than 1,500 nautical miles (2778 km) from the coast of Somalia. Pirate attacks have been reported near the west coast of India, western Maldives and off Madagascar. We strongly advise Australians to maintain a high level of vigilance and to exercise extreme caution when anywhere in the Indian Ocean in the area bounded by the following latitude and longitude: 15° north in the Red Sea, 23° north in the Arabian Sea, 78° east and 15° south in the Indian Ocean.

There is a worldwide risk of attacks on vessels at sea and in port by terrorists and pirates.

Many countries strictly enforce exclusion zones and protect territorial waters from unauthorized vessels.

We advise you to monitor closely the department's destination-specific travel advisories for areas close to waters through which you intend travelling.

Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy

register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency

subscribe to this travel bulletin to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

 

On this page:

Summary

Safety and Security

Health Issues

Where to Get Help

 

This document should be read in conjunction with the General Bulletin for Australian travellers and the Travel Advisory for your destination/s.

Safety and Security

Piracy

The Horn of Africa including the Gulf of Aden and Yemen

 

Attacks by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean are increasing in frequency and distance from the Somali coast.

 

According to statistics from the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC), in the Gulf of Aden and off the east coast of Somalia in the first six months of 2011 there were 163 incidents of piracy and 21 vessels hijacked. Worldwide in the first six months of 2011 there were 266 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against vessels and a total of 495 crew taken hostage.

 

Pirates have reportedly attacked shipping further than 1,500 nautical miles ( 2778 km) from the coast of Somalia. Pirate attacks have been reported near the west coast of India, western Maldives and off Madagascar.

 

All forms of shipping are attractive targets for Somali pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (such as yachts) and luxury cruise liners. We strongly advise Australians to maintain a high level of vigilance and to exercise extreme caution in the Indian Ocean in the area bounded by the following latitude and longitude: 15° north in the Red Sea, 23° north in the Arabian Sea, 78° east and 15° south in the Indian Ocean.

 

Examples of piracy off the coast of Somalia and the Horn of Africa include:

 

March 2011, a Danish family was kidnapped while sailing their yacht between the Maldives and the Red Sea.

In February 2011, four US citizens were kidnapped and later killed by Somali pirates.

On 12 January 2011, Somali pirates boarded a cargo vessel around 270 nautical miles east of Socotra Island. Six crew members of the cargo vessel were kidnapped.

In October 2009, two British nationals were taken hostage by Somali pirates about 60 nautical miles from Mahe in the Seychelles. They were later released.

 

Vessels, crew members and passengers hijacked in waters off Somalia have been held for long periods by pirates demanding ransoms. As of the 20 July 2011, Somali pirates were holding 398 hostages. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

 

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings.

 

Incidents of piracy perpetrated by Somali pirates have also occurred in the territorial waters of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar and Seychelles.

 

The Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa website provides information to mariners in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia such as news, alerts and ship protection measures (requires registration).

Piracy in other parts of the world

 

There instances of piracy in many other regions around the world, including:

 

West Africa, particularly Benin and Nigeria

East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya

the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where vessels have been fired on

South America, particularly Peru, Venezuela and Brazil

The South China Sea in the vicinity of Anambas, Natuna, Mangkai Islands and Subi Besar area

Mindanao in the Philippines

In waters around Bangladesh

The Caribbean and Central America, especially in anchorage areas in Port Au Prince, Haiti, and;

The Vung Tau area of Vietnam

 

Piracy-related crimes of opportunity, such as unlawful requests for payment for anchorage or petty crime, can occur in remote or isolated anchorages. In November 2006, armed pirates ransacked a vessel, stole valuables and threatened its occupants while anchored in the Solomon Islands.

 

The IMB runs a 24-hour Piracy Reporting Centre based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which issues daily reports broadcast to all shipping on the Safety Net service of Inmarsat-C and reports on its website. The services of the centre are free and are available to all ships, irrespective of their flag. The 24-hour Anti-Piracy HELPLINE can be contacted on telephone (60 3) 20310014; facsimile (60 3) 20785769; telex MA34199 IMBPCI; and email imbsecurity@icc-ccs.org.

 

The IMB recommends the installation of Shiploc, an on-board satellite tracking system that can help locate hijacked vessels. Secure-Ship, a non-lethal, electrifying fence which surrounds the whole ship, is also recommended by the International Maritime Bureau.

 

The following websites also contain information about piracy:

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which includes precautions against piracy and procedures during an attack.

Noonsite.com

The International Maritime Organization

Yacht Piracy

Terrorism

 

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Travel Bulletin to Australian Travellers.

 

Terrorists have conducted attacks against vessels at sea and in ports. Further attacks cannot be ruled out. Port facilities may also be potential terrorist targets.

 

Terrorists may attack official or civilian targets depending on their particular objectives at the time.

 

In August 2005, a rocket attack targeted USS Kearsarge and USS Ashland while the naval vessels were docked in the Red Sea port of Aqaba in Jordan. Two people were killed.

 

In March 2005 and April 2004, terrorists kidnapped a number of people from vessels off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia and demanded ransom for their release. Also in April 2004, three people on board an inflatable boat from the USS Firebolt were killed as a dhow they were preparing to board exploded in an apparent suicide attack off the Iraqi coast.

 

Terrorists claimed responsibility for the sinking of a superferry travelling between Manila and the central Philippines in February 2004.

 

Attacks have also occurred in Yemeni waters using small boats packed with explosives or carrying suicide bombers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

 

Piracy may occur in waters near regions of civil unrest.

 

While in port, you should avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and minor disputes that may occur as they have the potential to escalate and become violent.

 

You should closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about new possible safety and security risks.

Exclusion Zones and Territorial Waters

 

Exclusion zones can be declared around coastal areas, often in the vicinity of sensitive government infrastructure such as military bases. Many countries rigorously patrol and defend their territorial waters from unauthorised vessels. You should ensure you are aware of the location of these areas and take extreme care not to stray into them.

 

The Israeli government has established naval restrictions on vessels travelling to the Gaza Strip. Attempts to breach the naval blockade along the coast of Gaza have been intercepted by the Israeli navy and resulted in the injury, death, arrest and deportation of foreign nationals. We strongly advise against travelling by sea to the coast of the Gaza Strip in breach of Israeli naval restrictions or participating in any attempt to break the naval blockade. See our travel bulletin on 'Flotillas to Gaza' for more information.

 

In November 2009, five British yachtsmen were detained by Iranian officials after drifting into Iranian territorial waters. In June 2007, three men fishing in the Persian Gulf were detained by Iranian officials, who alleged they had strayed into Iranian-controlled waters. In March 2007, 15 British sailors and marines were detained for two weeks for the same reason.

 

On 31 March 2011, the Australian Maritime Safety Agency (AMSA) began broadcasting a cautionary notification to remind shipping operators that the cautionary evacuation zone recommended by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency around the Fukushima nuclear-power plants in Japan should be applied equally to ships transiting the area. All vessels should avoid transiting within 43 nautical miles (80 kilometres) of the plant. This recommendation should be considered a minimum distance. Information can be found in our Travel Advice for Japan.

Cruise Ships

 

We advise you to be alert to your own security and exercise common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour.

 

You should take sensible precautions to protect your valuables, such as using the ship's safe and minimising signs of wealth.

 

You should familiarise yourself with safety equipment and evacuation procedures. You should take part in safety drills and ensure there are sufficient lifejackets in your cabin. In November 2007, 10 Australians were among more than 150 people rescued after their cruise ship sank after hitting an iceberg en route to the Antarctic.

 

Crimes, including sexual assault and robbery, can occur after passengers have accepted 'spiked' food or drink.

 

Passengers on cruise ships are susceptible to the same illness and diseases as those on shore. You should consult your doctor prior to travelling (see Health Issues for more information) and seek advice from ship staff about local health risks. If you do feel unwell, you should consult the ship's doctor.

 

We strongly encourage you to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover emergencies and any activities you may undertake as part of your cruise. In the event of a medical emergency, you may need to be evacuated from the ship or the nearest port to a hospital with the appropriate facilities Evacuation costs can be considerable and may exceed $100,000.

 

You should check the ship's departure time when going ashore and allow sufficient time to return to the port.

Local Travel

 

The safety standards you might expect of tour operators are not always met, especially for adventure sports such as diving and yachting. Sufficient life jackets and adequate safety equipment may not be provided. Recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed.

 

Inter-island ferries and river craft may be overloaded, poorly maintained or lack necessary life-saving equipment. Hundreds of people die every year in accidents. Check the travel advisory for your destination for more details.

 

Standards maintained by search and rescue services may not be as high or comparable to those in Australia. These services may not be available in some destinations and locations.

 

If you intend to hire jet skis or any other motorised water sport equipment while in port, check first whether it is covered by your insurance policy. There have been numerous serious accidents involving jet skis in countries around the world. Foreigners are regularly detained and arrested by police following jet ski accidents until compensation can be negotiated between parties.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

 

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

 

Tropical cyclones and hurricanes occur during the wet season in many places around the world. Communications may be disrupted in affected areas. You should closely monitor the local media for the most up-to-date weather information and follow the advice of local authorities. See the Severe Weather: Hurricanes, Cyclones and Typhoons travel bulletin.

 

There are active volcanos around the globe, with many located in the world's oceans and seas. Most countries with active volcanos closely monitor volcanic activity and post updates on official websites.

 

Strong coastal currents, including rip tides, can make swimming and diving dangerous. Local authorities can provide advice regarding local conditions.

 

If a natural disaster occurs, you should monitor the media closely for information on evacuation procedures and follow the advice of local authorities. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Health Issues

 

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

 

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The WHO provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

 

The standard of medical facilities and medical care is significantly lower than those in Australia in many countries. There can be shortages of medical equipment and medicines and hygiene can be poor. Upfront payment is required in some countries before treatment will begin. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities may be necessary. The costs for medical evacuations can exceed $100,000.

 

Decompression chambers are often located near popular diving locations but you should not assume this to be the case. You should check the location of decompression chambers in the travel advice for your destination.

 

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases are prevalent around the world with major outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. If you are in doubt about the quality of the water in any country, we recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.

 

Due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in many countries around the world, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

 

Medicare benefits are payable for services rendered by an Australian registered medical practitioner on board a vessel travelling between two Australian ports, even if the vessel leaves Australian waters during the journey Medicare benefits are not payable if the journey is between an Australian port and a foreign port or between two foreign ports.

 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

 

You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may also be contacted by telephone on (02) 6261 3305.

 

Whatever the reason you are travelling and however long you'll be overseas, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

 

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact an Australian diplomatic mission, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

 

While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.

 

Smartraveller is provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

[Guest]

WOW Idler That's sure a 'horroor' read. Sure does limit 'safe' cruising areas!!

 

Wonder if the - Volvo Ocean Race will bring the navies of the competing yachts countries into play? I can't imagin that the officials will not protect the fleet at all times to the highest degree. Sure hope so for their sake. Would think the there'll be 'bears' in the air, on the water & in war ships & probably not to far from the competing yachts. That might just sort out the problem over there with a bloody BIG stick.

 

Sure hope 'grinna' reads all of your post, as we have had a small discussion about safety at sea - the where's & the how's. Thanks for all that info. I'm sure it'll make me much more cautious when sailing in SE Asia which I thought I wanted to do. Possibly time for a re-think. Ciao, james in FNQld.

[Guest]

Yep, I'm heading back to my padded cell

[Grinna 2]

Jeebus ..... if you took all that to heart you'd never get outa bed in the morning!

[idlerboat 116]

Jeebus ..... if you took all that to heart you'd never get outa bed in the morning!

 

I get govenment updates on travel across the world.

They are "prudent".

 

Yep if you read all the travel advice available you would stay in bed with a pillow over your head. Turn the radio off...and kick in the TV...

Hmmm maybe kicking in the TV is not such a bad idea.

But I digress...

This is the first time I have got travel advice of this kind so thought it was worth sharing...if a bit long winded.

For the OZ government to target this means that they feel it is a very real threat.

I take their advice seriously and then evaluate my risks.

 

The new British laws of armed vessels being allowed is a fair indication that the situation is in need of " modification".....

 

Now I dont get guns and boats, so I wish to as much as possible sail where I do not have to spend endless hours on the virtues of killing devices, but rather endless hours on why my auto pilot versus sail trim is still a mystery....( I think you know what I mean)

 

ps ..just a thought..perhaps its like a serious weather warning.........

[Grinna 2]

The truth is you can get robbed, raped and murdered in NZ. There are places, people and activities that pose more of a risk of getting robbed, raped and murdered than others and we all know that and so generally we're pretty careful about how we do those sorts of things, when or where we go to those sorts of places and if, how and why we deal with those sorts of people.

 

Personally, I'm not planning on going anywhere near Somalia or SE Asia anytime soon. I've got plenty to entertain me around the Sth Pacific to start with and then the Americas (both of those areas come with their own set of cautions and issues).

 

Plans are set in jello, mileage may vary, contents may have settled during transit, etc, etc.

 

My real concern with travel advisory notices like that are whether and how they affect insurances for those who "ignore the advisory" and live their lives anyway.

[Guest]

Another good example is Mexico. Read the newspapers and it is a lawless killing spree.

Yet right now there are literally hundreds of cruising boats down there enjoying every minute.