International and regional trends in maritime piracy 1989-1993

Abstract

This thesis records the results of a data-based analysis of worldwide maritime piracy incidents against commercial merchant shipping from January 1989 to September 1993. The intent of developing this database was to create the framework that permits a rigorous statistical analysis of maritime piracy. It begins with a descriptive assessment of the scope and impact of piracy worldwide. Next, it identifies the statistically supportable regional and international trends in maritime piracy over the last five years. The database has been designed at the unclassified level to allow maximum access by the intelligence community and the commercial shipping industry. The database includes 523 reported cases of piracy. Piracy is defined as the act of boarding any vessel with the intent to commit theft or other crime and with the capability to use force in the furtherance of the act. Both incident details and ship characteristics have been incorporated in the database. The ultimate goal has been to develop a comprehensive statistical picture of where piracy occurs and how pirate attacks are carried out. Maritime Piracy