The Liberian Registry has issued a Marine Security Advisory to inform Owners/Operators/Company Security Officers/Masters of the imminent threat of attacks by armed skiffs, drones or anti-ship missiles in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
According to the Liberian Registry, it has appeared that Houthi militia are threatening and attacking vessels that they believe as having direct affiliation/links with Israel, Israeli Nationals or ships directly associated with the Saudi-led coalition involved in the Houthi conflict with the Yemeni government.
Over the last few weeks the militia have engaged in threats and attacks on multiple vessels engaged in innocent passage through the Southern red Sea and Gulf of Aden. On multiple occasions the Houthi militia have launched missiles from drones and have demanded ships to turn around and proceed to Houthi controlled areas of Yemen.
Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are to increase their security level to security level 3 and implement all protective measures in their Ship Security Plan. In addition, Liberian flagged vessels should avoid calling ports in Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels.
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 Houthi militia have attacked ships 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. Limiting AIS data to the mandatory fields and omitting the next port of call could be considered.
All vessels should report to the UKMTO and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) in accordance with industry BMP (Best Management Practices) and take advice from the coalition forces operating in the area. Best Management Practices 5 (BMP5) 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.
When operating within territorial seas or calling ports within the previously defined HRA as shown on UKHO Chart Q6099, Masters shall set the vessel security level to the level set by the port State authority but may implement security measures in excess of the security level set by the port authorities based on their assessment of the conditions in the port.
When operating outside territorial seas or ports within the previously defined HRA shown on UKHO chart Q6099, all Liberian flagged vessels shall operate at security level II. All security level changes should be reported directly to the Flag Administration by the Master via email [email protected].
The Liberian Administration strongly recommends that Vessels Owners, Characters, Operators and Ships Masters continue to carry out pre-voyage threat and risk assessments to consider the latest maritime security information from organizations supporting the VRA. In addition, Liberian flagged vessels may consider using a Private Maritime Security Company (PMSC) to provide additional armed or unarmed security personnel while transiting the high-risk area.
The Liberian Registry advises vessel operators to:
Contact MSCHOA prior to transiting the Western Indian Ocean, the Somali Basin, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea.
The contact details of MSCHOA are:
Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)
Email [email protected]
Telephone +44 1923 958545 +44 1923 958700
Fax +44 1923 958520 Website www.mschoa.org
When transiting the Western Indian Ocean, the Somali Basin, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and Red Sea.
Register their vessels with UKMTO
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
Phone: +44 – 2392-222060, +971-50-552-3215
Fax +44 1923 958520
Please keep LISCR’s Security Department informed of any security incidents at:
Office of the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs
Republic of Liberia
22980 Indian Creek Drive, Suite 200 Dulles, Virginia 20166 USA
D: +1 571 495 5944 / O: +1 703 790 3434 / F: +1 703 790 5655
Email: [email protected]
www.liscr.com
The Registry also provides a list with .Authorized Private Maritime Security Companies, which can be found here.
