Due to recent threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the Panama Maritime Administration strongly recommends all Panama Flag Registry vessels to take all security measures and avoid transiting the Red Sea, with increased caution through the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.
Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Gaza on October 7, 2023, geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea have increased, with particular attention to Israeli ships turning off AIS transmissions while transiting the region. Therefore, the Panama Maritime Administration strongly recommends the following security measures:
• Review BMP5 at all times.
• Evaluate the ship’s route, particularly proximity to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iranian Navy assets, controlled sites and the coasts of Yemen, attempting to navigate as far away as possible from these areas.
• It is recommended to maintain complete surveillance on the bridge.
Transit through the Red Sea, Bab-al-Mandeb (BaM) and Strait of Hormuz (SoH), at night to avoid detection and maintain communication with maritime security centers at all times.
• Remain alert at all times; At night, small and slow boats without a wake are difficult to detect on radar. Don’t stop if threatened and present a challenging target through proactive maneuvers.
• Maintain strict surveillance of communications and establish communication with all approaching vessels. Do not allow small boats to approach or dock. Use a reflector to identify yourself at night.
• Consistently and thoroughly conduct a threat risk assessment before traveling and entering any region where there has been an incident or the threat has changed.
• After a risk assessment, review the Vessel Protection Plan, and if necessary, modify it to secure the vessel, crew and cargo.
• Follow the BIMCO and INTERTANKO recommendations regarding transiting the conflicted areas.
• Vessels using privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) are advised to re-evaluate use of force standards with their private maritime security company and avoid any type of confrontation with military forces, as it may result in a significant escalation. The use of PCASP is not recommended as a risk mitigation measure in the northern Gulf of Oman (north of Fujairah, UAE), Strait of Hormuz (SoH), or the Arabian/Persian Gulf.
• Guarantee strict boarding controls.
• Go down hallways or accommodation stairs only when necessary.
• Install exterior lights wherever possible, as long as they do not interfere with maintaining a safe lookout, especially aft, and install/use searchlights if available.
• Monitor relevant VHF and other communication channels.
• Check all firefighting equipment available for immediate use. Make sure the emergency fire pump is available if any maintenance is performed.
• Conduct fire and safety drills/exercises before entering higher risk areas.
