The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has issued an advisory regarding the threats to shipping amid the Israel/Iran/USA conflict.
According to the advisory, RMI-flagged vessels with US or Israeli affiliations, whether through beneficial ownership, operation, management, chartering, or cargo, are required to operate at Security Level 3 (or equivalent security measures while at port) when transiting the Arabian/Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, or Strait of Hormuz (SoH).
In addition, vessels without such affiliations are required to operate at Security Level 2 (or equivalent measures while at port) when navigating the same regions.
Electronic interference and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) jamming or spoofing
Extensive electronic interference has been reported in the SoH region. This interference is likely originating in Bandar Abbas, Iran for the purpose of protecting Iran from incoming missiles. However, it also has the unintended consequence of interfering with the safe navigation of merchant ships in the region.
JMIC Advice:
- Closely monitor all electronic aids and communication networks for electronic interference. Be ready with alternative options should navigation aids fail.
- With reports of automatic identification system (AIS) spoofing and extreme jamming in the SoH and the wider Arabian Gulf, JMIC recommends that ships are ready to navigate via alternative means (radar/visual, fixes/charts, etc.) and closely watch the gyro compasses as these are also being impacted (due to Global Positioning System (GPS) latitude correction feed).
Supplemental advice for the SoH region:
- Navigate using terrestrial and dead reckoning methods. Where possible, utilize parallel index lines on radar and radar overlay onto Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) to affirm vessel position and increase dead reckoning position fixing frequencies.
- If interference is evident, consider disconnecting ECDIS from the GPS completely and use it as a chart to plot visual and radar fixes.
- Consider turning off the AIS overlay feature on radar and ECDIS units to avoid confusion.
- Do not trust AIS positions of other vessels due to potential spoofing of navigation systems. Remember that surrounding vessels are also impacted.
- Be aware that heavy traffic may build up in the effected region if all vessels choose to transit during daylight hours.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vessels, particularly if not emitting AIS.
- Use manual steering if necessary.
- Review the INTERTANKO paper on GNSS jamming and spoofing.
- Report any incidents of electronic interference and GNSS jamming or spoofing to UKMTO.
Regulatory guidance
AIS
In accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, regulation V/34-1, “Masters shall not be prevented from using professional judgement to make decisions necessary for safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment.” Master’s discretion includes the ability to switch off the vessel’s AIS if it is assessed that doing so will reduce threats to vessel safety or security (refer to §22 of International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly Resolution A.1106(29)
Use of power reserve
If the Master decides to override the shaft power limitation (SHaPoLi) or engine power limitation (EPL) system, where fitted for compliance with relevant MARPOL Annex VI regulations, for the safety and security of the ship, then owners/operators must comply with the reporting requirements detailed in section 3.2.3 of Marine Notice 2-013-12.
Additional precautions
- Vessels with links to Israel or the US (i.e., ownership, management, charterer, cargo, or nationality) are not advised to transit the Southern Red Sea or SoH regions at this time. This includes the Southern Red Sea (south of 18 degrees north), Bab-el-Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, SoH, and Arabian/Persian Gulf.
- Follow the Maritime Security Transit Corridor – SoH (MSTC-SoH) routing guidance published by Shipping Industry Associations.
- Ensure ready access to the JMIC Bridge Emergency Reference Cards.
- Avoid Iranian territorial waters.
- Review and implement Industry Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMP-MS).
- Implement contingency planning covering crew welfare, rerouting, emergency response, and speed adjustments.
- Maintain vigilant lookouts for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vessels, floating mines, and fast-approaching craft.
- In the event of a UAV or projectile sighting, ensure the crew are briefed and gather in the designated Safe Muster Point (SMP). The SMP should be within the superstructure, and above the waterline. Also reference the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) publications entitled Loitering Munitions – the Threat to Merchant Ships and Ship Security: Hull Vulnerability Study.
- Limpet mines may be attached to merchant vessels in the SoH region. While there is currently no known threat, enhanced overside checks are advised, particularly at anchor.
- Immediately report any incidents or suspicious activity to UKMTO and the Administrator. A full list of contact details can be found in Global Maritime Security Contacts (MARSEC-210)