Due to the escalating situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea regions, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has issued a circular to inform that heightened military activity and geopolitical tensions in these areas continue to pose serious threats to commercial vessels.
The circular also provides guidance to ship operators in the region, emphasizing the need to maintain a heightened level of vigilance. The areas of attention are:
•Arabian/Persian Gulf;
• Arabian Sea;
• Bab-al-Mandeb (BaM);
• Gulf of Aden;
•Gulf of Oman;
• Strait of Hormuz (SoH); or
• Red Sea.
Adversarial forces have claimed they are only targeting vessels with links to Israel (e.g., owner(s), operator(s), manager(s), charterer(s), cargo, or crew) or trading at Israeli ports. However, recent incidents have shown that this is not always the case. While vessels linked to Israel are assessed to be at greatest risk of attack, harassment, or seizure, these threats and the risk of collateral damage remains high for all merchant vessels operating in the Southern Red Sea, BaM, and Gulf of Aden, RMI explains.
Regional state and non-state actors in the Southern Red Sea, BaM, and Gulf of Aden have demonstrated the ability to harass, interdict, and attack commercial shipping. These actors can employ platforms, such as coastal radar, naval vessels or patrol boats, repurposed commercial vessels, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to track and monitor merchant ships. Demonstrated capabilities and tactics include small boat operations, possibly involving attacking, harassing, or firing upon targeted vessels; helicopter assaults; UAV or missile attacks; water-borne improvised explosive devices; the use of limpet mines against ships in the vicinity of ports or while underway; and the placement of mines in or near strategic waterways.
As such, RMI advises vessels to take the following precautions when operating in the area:
- Implement Ship Security Level 3 (or equivalent security measures at port) in the Southern Red Sea, BaM, and Gulf of Aden (flag requirement). Security Level 2 (or equivalent security measures at port) must be maintained in the Northern Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, SoH, and Arabian/Persian Gulf.
- Review BMP5
- Undertake a thorough pre-voyage threat and risk assessment
- Consider transiting the BaM and SoH at night if possible
- Navigate with maximum feasible distance from the coasts of Yemen and Iran
- Ship Security Plan and amend if necessary, after performing the prevoyage security threat and risk assessment.
- Review the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) publication entitled Loitering Munitions – the Threat to Merchant Ships
- Vessels utilizing Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) are advised to reassess rules for the use of force with their private maritime security company. A clear distinction must be made between suspected attackers with small arms and military forces with more advanced weaponry. Engagement with military forces is not advised as it may result in significant escalation. PCASPs are not recommended as a risk mitigation measure in the northern Gulf of Oman (north ofFujairah, United Arab Emirates), SoH, or Arabian/Persian Gulf.
- Conduct security and fire drills/exercises prior to entering areas of increased risk.
- Maintain a full and vigilant bridge watch for small craft approaching.
- Monitor relevant very high frequency and other communication channels.
- Vessels should follow the advice of coalition military authorities (UKMTO, Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), CMF, IMSC, and/or EMASoH).
