
UN Agency Advises Against Merchant Ships Carrying Firearms Despite Piracy Threat
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has advised countries to discourage merchant ship crews from carrying firearms for self-defense against piracy, despite the rising number of incidents and 90 sailors currently held hostage by Somali pirates. The IMO's June 2015 circular argues that firearms pose safety risks and may escalate violence. Piracy incidents increased to 171 in 2025, with the Strait of Malacca being the most affected region.3 sourcesSee all sources




