Key measures for vessels calling at ports in conflict zones

For instance, as explained by the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus, the situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, the Persian/Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Straits of Hormuz remains, for the time being, volatile. Therefore, it is recommended, in the absence of any specific security-related threats, that owners, operators, managers and masters of Cyprus flagged vessels operating in said area:

• maintain increased vigilance and close communication with Port and Flag State authorities and local shipping agents, in accordance with the requirements of the ISPS Code and increase, as necessary, the rigorousness of implementing the security measures aboard in order to protect the vessel and its crew,
• make frequent checks with local sources of information, e.g. vessel agents, local authorities, Hull and Machinery and Protection and Indemnity insurance providers, in order to obtain the most up-to-date and reliable security-related information available at any given time,
• carefully assess the security-related situation at each port call or when remaining or navigating through territorial waters, on a case-by-case basis and, as necessary, to implement appropriate security measures aboard in order to protect the vessel and its crew,
• review, exercise and, if necessary, implement the relevant contingency plans,
• contact the vessel’s Protection and Indemnity Club/war insurer well in advance for any voyage in the area.
• Vessels operating in the area are advised to report to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO, Voluntary Reporting Scheme for the Indian Ocean, specifically Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea) and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) in accordance with industry BMP (Best Management Practices).

Meanwhile, Liberia Maritime Authority has issued a Marine Security Advisory is to inform Owners/Operators/Company Security Officers/Masters that due to recent military strikes against Iran, it is likely that certain hostile actions against commercial shipping may be seeing a resurgence. Particularly, any vessels with ties to the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel are at a perceived greater risk for being targeted. Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman are to operate at security level 3 and implement all protective measures in their Ship Security Plan.

• Vessels operating in these areas have encountered significant LRIT and AIS interference due to GPS jamming. As per International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.1106(29) paragraph 22, if the master believes that the continual operation of AIS might compromise the safety and security of his/her ship or where security incidents are imminent, the AIS may be switched off.
• Be advised that ships have been attacked with AIS switched on and off. While switching the AIS off can make it more difficult for the militia to track vessels, it will also make it more difficult for the vessel to receive support if needed.
• All vessels should report to the UKMTO and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) in accordance with industry BMP (Best Management Practices) and take advice from the coalition forces operating in the area.
• Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMPMS) will continue to provide the necessary guidance for shipping to ensure threat and risk assessments are developed for every voyage to mitigate the risks presented by remaining security threats in the region.
• The shipping industry will continue to monitor and advise on maritime security threats to assist the safe transit of vessels and the seafarers.
• UKMTO acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels and liaison with military forces in the region. Vessels are encouraged to register with UKMTO and report their positions (by email daily at 08:00 UTC) whilst operating in the area.
• The MSCIO is the planning and coordination centre for the EU Naval Forces (EU NAVFOR). MSCIO encourages companies to register their ships’ movements before entering the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA).
• All vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman are also encouraged to report to the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFCIOR), this is a voluntary reporting measure that promotes cooperation, stability and communication with partner stakeholders in the region as well as aligns with the most recent measures published in BMP MS.
• Vessels with voyages through this area can find the appropriate link for vessel reporting at: http://117.219.8.190/ifcior/

Moreover, Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate has warned that currently the safety and security of sea areas including the Levantine Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and ports within, is very volatile due to increased military tensions. All ships operating in these sea areas are to:

• note all security and advisory notices issued by the multinational cooperation centres and maintain good communications before proceeding,
• consider avoiding navigating in these areas, at least until the situation de-escalates, given the elevated risks and possibility of collateral threats.

Masters and operators of Maltese ships that operate or may operate in these areas are strongly advised to:

• evaluate the local security circumstances to determine whether their presence in the area is safe,
• if, in their judgment, it is deemed necessary to proceed to these areas, proceed with utmost caution and in a high state of vigilance.

It is crucial that all ships apply the required precautionary measures for ensuring the safety of their crew and assets.