The American P&I Club has issued an alert to warn its members to take enhanced precautions when transiting the Red Sea and Indian Ocean Area.
According to the Club, Members should reference Ambrey’s Interactive Threat Insights hub that provide insightful overviews and in-depth analysis briefs on global maritime incidents, as well as indicators of geo-political issues that threaten to affect the maritime space.
Vessels with an Israeli affiliation or destination are additionally recommended to review the Ambrey Threat Circular—27/11/2023 and Ambrey Threat Circular—06/12/2023 which outline specific mitigation measures for Company Security Officers (CSOs).
Shipowners are also encouraged to inform military organisations in the region of their vessels’ movements as this is essential to improve military situational awareness and their ability to respond. Vessels are recommended to exercise caution and increased vigilance in the risk area and implement security precautions as suggested by their flag State and Best Management Practices 5 (BMP5).
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Voluntary Reporting
Any suspicious activity or objects should be reported immediately to both their flag State and the UKMTO at +44 239 222 2060. The UKMTO acts as the primary point of contact for merchant ships and their CSOs.
The UKMTO administers the Voluntary Reporting Scheme, under which merchant ships are encouraged to send a report prior to entering the high-risk area (HRA) as outlined in Maritime Security Chart Q6099 and subsequent regular reports or position and any irregular activity if applicable. UKMTO is able to communicate with ships and CSOs directly, in order to disseminate warnings and advisories of incidents within the region.
International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) and Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel
The IMSC and CTF provide overwatch and reassurance through coalition naval forces maritime awareness calls to merchant vessels as they transit the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. It is recommend that vessels download and print IMSC’s April 2023 Bridge Reference Cards available in English and Arabic.
European-led Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASOH)
Reports of any suspicious activity and concerns in the North Arabian Sea and the Gulf region may also be made to the European led EMASoH: Voluntary Reporting Scheme | EMASoH (emasoh-agenor.org) or call +971 52 117 1500
All ships entering the EMASOH Voluntary Reporting Area are invited to provide their vessel specific detailed information 48 hours prior to entering the area or as soon as possible and report suspicious behaviour or unusual events by clicking here.
Recommendations for Company Security Officers (CSOs)
- Undertake a new ship- and voyage-specific threat risk assessment before entering any region where there has been an incident, or the threat has changed and, after the risk assessment, review the Ship’s Security Plan.
- Advise and communicate with the ship’s master about the recommended route, updated plans and requirements for group transits and national convoys.
- Participate in voluntary reporting schemes.
- Ensure Vessel Security Plans have up-to-date emergency contacts.
Recommendations for Vessel Security Officers (VSOs)
- Maintain a full and vigilant lookout and watch, monitor relevant VHF and other communication channels.
- Ensure that all alarms are tested satisfactorily, and fire-fighting equipment is ready for immediate use. Make sure the emergency fire pump is available if any maintenance is being undertaken.
- Be cognizant of the information broadcasting on the Automatic Identification System (AIS), for your vessel. Consider limiting to mandatory fields.
- Vessels should follow the advice of the military authorities. Keep emergency contact information readily available.
- For further guidance on protecting seafarers, the ship and cargo, and to facilitate threat and risk assessment and planning for voyages transiting areas where the threat of attack by pirates and armed robbers exists, VSOs can reference the Global Counter Piracy Guidance for Companies Masters and Seafarers.
Recommendations to US Flagged Vessels
US flagged vessels are also advised to follow the guidance as set forth in the Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) advisory 2023-01 – Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, and Somali Basin-Threats to Commercial Vessels, and should contact US Fifth Fleet Battle Watch at +973-1785-3879, [email protected] and Fifth Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) at [email protected] to report suspicious activities, threats, or where an incident has occurred.
