Speaking at an international gathering about piracy in Kuala Lumpur, director of IMB Pottengal Mukundan highlighted the issue in front of 200 delegates from 30 countries.
He told the crowd: “Information sharing and coordinated action between concerned coastal states is crucial in responding to this threat.
“However, the proliferation of reporting centres in some regions could create a degree of confusion that can leave seafarers and ships unnecessarily at risk.”
The meeting took place in the shadow of alarming global statistics showing a continual increase in the number of piracy and armed robbery attacks on commercial vessels.
South East Asia has seen a resurgence of piracy over the past few months, the conference concluded.
Malaysian authorities managed to arrest the gang which hijacked the 7,301-dwt tanker Orkim Harmony (built 2009).
And on two occasions pirates attempted multiple attacks within a few hours in the region.
Mukundan said: “For crimes at sea, rapid response is crucial if there is to be any possibility of prosecuting the pirates.
“The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre plays a crucial role liaising between merchant ships and coastal authorities and navies, and is prepared to further enhance the effectiveness of these joint efforts.”
