INTERNATIONAL Marine News
International Maritime Bureau Reports increase in piracy and maritime crime
The ICC International Maritime Bureau, an international reporting center for piracy and maritime crimes, analyzed reporting for 2025, highlighting an increase in global maritime incidents. It warns of an increase in piracy and armed robbery, and while much of it was low-level crimes, the group emphasized the need for timely reporting to counter the spike in crimes.
Overall, during 2025, the group received information on 137 incidents against ships, up from 116 in 2024 and 120 in 2023. The reports breakdown with 121 vessels boarded, four hijacked, and two fired upon, with a further 10 failed attempts.
Another concern is the rise in the number of incidents in which the perpetrators were armed. IMB reports there were 42 incidents in which the boarders were carrying guns compared with 26 in the prior year. The use of knives, however, declined slightly with 33 incidents in 2025 versus 39 in 2024.
Three yachts sunk with another badly damaged following fire in Sydney
This year has begun badly with several as yet unexplained fires destroying multiple yachts and superyachts. The most eye- catching occurred when three large yachts were destroyed and sunk, with a fourth sustaining significant damage, following a fire at the Spit Marina in Mosman, on Sydney’s north shore in Australia.
Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters were called in the early hours on Friday 9 January 2026 with reports that more than 40 firefighters were called to the scene at 3:21am, alongside the Port Authority of NSW firefighting vessel, Girawaa.
It took Fire and Rescue NSW approximately 2.5 hours to extinguish the fire, with the Environment Protection Authority deploying booms to contain debris and material, including oil and fuel.
The cause of the fire is not known but is under investigation.
Transport Canada now charges $24 for Recreational Boat Licence
From 31 December 2025, Transport Canada has made several updates to the Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL). Beginning this year pleasure craft licences must be renewed every five years – and current lifetime licences will be gradually replaced with PCLs that must be renewed every five years. Starting in 2028 wind-powered pleasure craft over six metres in length will also be required to hold a PCL.
Boaters will have to pay a $24 service fee whenever they apply to renew, transfer or replace their pleasure craft licence.
The PCL is a unique identification number for recreational boats that have one or more engines whose combined power is at least 10 horsepower- similar to a car’s license plate.
Kevin E. Lunday sworn in as 28th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard During an event at Coast Guard
Headquarters, the United States Coast Guard held a formal swearing-in and assumption of command ceremony for Adm. Kevin Lunday as the 28th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Upon taking the oath of office, Adm. Lunday formally assumed the responsibilities of Commandant and reaffirmed the Coast Guard’s role in controlling, securing, and defending the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitating the safe and secure flow of maritime commerce.
“I am honoured to assume command of the United States Coast Guard,” said Adm. Lunday. “Every day, Coast Guard men and women carry out missions that protect our homeland, secure our maritime borders, save lives and protect national security. I am humbled to serve alongside them while ensuring they have what they need to succeed – today and in the future.”
THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 15
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