International shipping and sea travel is dependent on the safety of the high seas and a network of ports and terminals. However, maritime crimes have become a major concern as they threaten the safety and security of ships and seafarers and the entire maritime industry economically. Though maritime crime is as old as the industry itself and has evolved, its implications remain the same i.e. a loss of life and property. Since the high seas do not come under the jurisdiction of a particular state, global cooperation is vital for handling maritime crimes like piracy to protect ships from becoming the targets of organised transnational criminal groups that take crew members as hostages, demanding a hefty ransom in return for freeing the vessel. Maritime Piracy is just one category of a crime at sea and there are many others which will be discussed in this article. However, before categorising the different types of maritime crimes, let us define what a maritime crime is. What is a Maritime Crime? The term maritime crime is used to describe a variety of criminal offences which are committed at sea or maritime zones like international waters, territorial sea and archipelagic waters and a country’s Exclusive Economic Zones. These maritime crimes are of different natures such as maritime piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, ocean dumping, illicit trafficking, smuggling, maritime terrorism and many more. It is important to remember that there is no boundary between what happens on sea or land since a maritime crime can begin at sea and continue on land. For eg-fish caught illegally is sold at markets on land or humans trafficked via seas are then sold into bonded labour at certain places though it is a serious crime. Implications of Maritime Crimes Crimes committed at sea have serious consequences and can prove to be more dangerous since there is no single judicial authority and it can take days or months to save the vessels or seafarers due to the complex legal processes that need to be followed. Marine crimes threaten the safety and security of nations whose communities depend on marine resources for their livelihood. However, marine crimes have a far-reaching impact that is global. For example, smuggling of drugs and human trafficking. Maritime Crimes greatly impact developing nations. It can destabilise the operations of their economy and governments. Analysing and studying the maritime crime hotspots in the world, like Somalia in the case of maritime piracy, is crucial for devising practical and realistic strategies for eradicating the crime from its roots. Different Types of Maritime Crimes 1. Piracy, Ship Hijacking, Kidnappings & Armed Robbery Maritime Piracy involves attacks on ships for theft, kidnapping or hijacking, which often takes place in international waters, usually when the ship is anchored, transiting a narrow waterway or going at slow speed. Piracy and armed robberies can lead to violence and cruelty to seafarers and even loss of life in some cases. Crew members held hostage by pirates not only experience physical pain but also mental trauma. Pirates commit armed robbery on ships by forcefully boarding or stealing ships and holding cargo and crew members for ransom. Though piracy seemed to decline, it has risen its head again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maritime piracy incidents are increasing since ships alter their courses due to the Houthi attacks on Red Sea Shipping and take the lon