The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator issued a Marine Safety note, in order to draw attention to shippers, sailing in Yemen, Southern Red Sea and Bab El Madeb strait. This Ship Security Advisory (SSA) supersedes No. 02-17 and expires on 24 September 2017.
In particular, RMI explains that continued regional tensions in Yemen have increased the risks to RMI-flagged commercial vessels transiting the Southern Red Sea. The Houthi rebels have conducted attacks against a Saudi warship and United Arab Emirates logistics vessels, as well as an attempted, but failed attack against U.S. Navy ships in the Southern Red Sea. There has been increased fighting along the Red Sea coast and, as a result, RMI-flagged commercial vessels operating in the area could be associated with anti-Houthi operations, or are otherwise at risk.
Guidance
RMI-flagged vessels operating in the vicinity of the Southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution and adhere to the following guidelines:
- It is recommended that RMI-flagged commercial vessels avoid entering or loitering near Yemen’s Red Sea ports, and that vessels at anchor, operating in restricted maneuvering environments or at slow speeds, be especially vigilant. RMI- flagged commercial vessels transiting the region should conduct a pre-voyage risk assessment and incorporate appropriate protective measures into their vessel security plans.
- RMI-flagged commercial vessels in the region should operate under a heightened state of alert due to the potential for direct or collateral damage. These threats may come from a variety of different sources including, but not limited to, missiles, projectiles, mines, small arms, or waterborne improvised explosive devices. Vessels in this region should report hostile activities immediately and contact coalition naval forces on Very High Frequency (VHF) channel 16. Suspicious activities and events must be reported to RMI. Vessels operating in this region are also advised to establish contact with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Office (UKMTO).
Source: IRI
