Counter Piracy Services
Reducing risk across the world's most challenging waters
Armed and unarmed teams for commercial vessels, oil and gas assets, and maritime operations transiting the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Guinea, Red Sea, and other high-threat regions. Over 8,000 transits supported since 2008.
Counter Piracy
A persistent threat, managed by procedure
Piracy and maritime criminality remain persistent threats to commercial shipping. MAST has supported over 8,000 vessel transits through high-risk areas. Our protection is built on intelligence, experience, and proven operational procedures.
What we provide
MAST provides armed and unarmed protection teams aboard commercial vessels transiting high-risk maritime zones. Our teams reduce exposure to piracy, armed robbery, and maritime criminality through on-board security presence, threat-based procedures, and real-time intelligence from the MAST Global Operations Centre.
We maintain an established logistical network across the Indian Ocean region, enabling rapid team deployment, firearms management, and port coordination. Operations extend across the Gulf of Guinea, Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz, and other designated high-risk areas.
Our capability covers the oil and gas sector alongside commercial shipping. We provide protection for drill rigs, supply vessels, and seismic survey operations, applying the same intelligence-led, team-based approach adapted to the specific requirements of offshore energy environments.
What a transit includes
Threat-based planning
Route and risk assessed before departure.
On-board security team
Armed or unarmed presence sized to the risk.
Compliance management
Firearms logistics and port compliance handled.
Live intelligence
Continuous support from the operations centre.
How we deliver it
Every transit begins with a detailed planning process. We assess the route, review the current threat picture, and determine the appropriate team size and configuration. We coordinate firearms logistics, confirm port compliance, and brief the vessel's captain and crew before departure.
During the transit, teams operate a structured watch routine and maintain communications with the MAST Global Operations Centre. The operations centre provides real-time intelligence updates and maintains continuous tracking of the vessel's position.
On completion, teams disembark and manage firearms offload in accordance with local regulations. A full transit report is provided to the owner or management company.
Relevant sectors
- Commercial Shipping
- Oil & Gas
- Cargo & Container
- Vessel Owners
- Insurance
- Charter
- P&I Clubs
- Flag States
Transits planned and executed by teams who have completed thousands.
Frequently asked questions
What types of vessel do you protect?
We deploy on all commercial vessel types including container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, and general cargo vessels. We also provide teams for oil and gas assets including drill rigs, supply vessels, and seismic survey vessels.
How many transits has MAST completed?
Over 8,000 commercial vessel transits through high-risk areas since 2008, with zero security failures.
What regions do you operate in?
We operate across all major high-risk maritime zones including the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Guinea, and other areas as the threat picture demands.
How quickly can you deploy a team?
Our regional logistical network enables rapid deployment. Standard deployment timelines vary by region, but we can mobilise teams at short notice when the situation requires it.
Do you manage firearms compliance?
Yes. MAST handles all firearms licensing, embarkation, secure storage, and offload compliance. We manage flag state requirements and regional regulations for every transit.
What happens if there is an incident during transit?
Teams follow documented rules of engagement and escalation procedures. The MAST Global Operations Centre provides real-time support, coordinates with relevant authorities, and manages incident reporting throughout.
