With the security situation in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean area rapidly evolving and the threat to merchant vessels on the rise, the Shipowners’ Club is proactively providing operators with current advice and support.
As explained, the Houthis, carrying out these attacks, have regularly been expanding the geographical range of their attacks. The associated threats to vessels include, but are not limited to –
- Anti-ship missiles
- Anti-ship ballistic missiles
- Waterborne improvised explosive devices (WBIED)
- Drones
- Sea mines
In the event that Members vessels are or intend to operate / transit these areas, the Club would recommend the following points are considered:
- Complete a thorough ship and voyage specific ‘security’ risk assessment.
- Members may look to engage the services of commercial security consultants. Such consultants provide guidance and assisting with ship/voyage specific security risk assessments and advisories.
- Liaise with the respective Flag States of the applicable vessels to check if the Flag State has issued any specific advisory / recommendation.
- Pay particular attention to details such as cargo interests, charterers, ownership of the vessel (current as well as past), trading history etc. to ascertain if any of these may make their vessel a potential target.
- Develop Contingency and Emergency Response Plans for the threat of, or an actual attack. Ensure that the ships crew and shore management are familiar with these plans. Review the security situation frequently and amend the plans, as required.
- As part of the ship and voyage risk assessment –
- Consider which parts of the vessel may be safer for the crew to take refuge. Areas protected by more than one bulkhead may offer more protection from explosive projectiles.
- If any hazardous cargo can be shielded. For example, on container vessels by placing empty containers in outer rows.
