China has established a whole set of GMDSS facilities, including an international mobile satellite ground station, a COSPAS-SARSAT ground station, DSC, VHF and MF radio stations, NAVTEX broadcast stations, etc. China's ships have all been equipped with GMDSS system to the requirement of the SOLAS Convention. China's RCC will also establish land search and rescue co-ordination network and China's ship reporting system, so as to effectively guarantee a quick reaction capability in emergency. In accordance with MSC/Circ.622, MRCC provides to all ocean-going ships and shipping companies information on piracy, and requires them to heighten their vigilance when passing through piracy affected areas and to heighten protective measures against maritime piracy.
Pirates are becoming organized and armed leading to more piracy-related losses, injuries and deaths. Freighters and fishing vessels of China have encountered piracy. As per statistics, more than 10 Chinese ships were attacked in 1998, including 5 incidents in Southeastern Asian waters. Piracy also occurred in parts of China's coastal areas: therefore, the public security bodies of China are taking stronger measures against piracy and armed robbery. Since the end of 1998, 3 rummaging actions have been executed in the area of Beibuwan Bay, during which, two marine robberies were uncovered and 6 robbers were arrested. Since then, the maritime safety in the area of Beibuwan Bay has been put into effective control. At present, sea police organizations have been established or strengthened one after another in coastal provinces, cities and regions of China. The capability of the marine public security is also being strengthened. At the same time, a marine security alerting service system (marine 110) has been adopted in many coastal regions for which their marine management, control capability and rapid-reaction abilities have been improved.
Following IMO's suggestions, the relevant authorities of China have strengthened co-operation among themselves in fighting piracy and armed robbery against ships. Following the request for joint investigation from the marine authorities and the RCC, public security organs have provided positive co-operation and assistance as well as a lot of beneficial information. After relevant information is confirmed by the marine authorities and the RCC and lost ships are found, the public security organs carry out legal investigations to effectively fight against various marine crimes. In recent years, the public security organs of China have negotiated with Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, etc., concerning marine safety and co-operation in such fields as marine navigation and operational safety. The public security authority has signed a co-operation agreement with the Korean National Maritime Police Agency. In order to counter international crime, such as piracy, effectively to their mutual benefit, China is calling on relevant countries and international organizations for more practical action, positive co-operation and improvement of information exchange.
INDONESIA
Indonesia as the largest archipelago in the world and as a vast maritime county is very concerned with the security and safety of ships and protection of the marine environment. The Government and shipping companies need to co-operate in efforts to prevent and control armed robbery or sea robbery in territorial waters and piracy in the high seas. Information on piracy and armed robbery against ships is conveyed to the Directorate General of Sea Communications from Embassies through diplomatic channels or from shipping companies instead of directly from ships, therefore the information is received about 2 to 3 months after the incident. Thus the Government is unable to take immediate action.
Incidents occur mostly between 11.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m. Speed boats are used, the pirates climb on board the ships with ropes and hooks, use knives to threaten the crew and master, steal money and expensive personal effects and then disappear.
