The Voluntary Reporting Guidance in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea Region has been updated, revising reporting procedures.
Following the 52nd SHADE Conference in Dec 24, several changes have been made to regional voluntary reporting. UKMTO and MSCIO websites are being updated to reflect the changes, and in the interim, this update provides an overview. CMF, MSCIO, and UKMTO have agreed to:
Implement a single information reporting framework by 31 March 2025. This new framework includes CMF, MSCIO (EUNAVFOR Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES), and UKMTO. The aspiration is to broaden the framework to include Regional Information Fusion Centres (IFCs), such as IFC (IOR), RMIFC, IFC-Singapore, and RCOC.
Standardised Reporting Formats enabling mariners to use the same form to report to whoever they choose. Initial Reporting to both MSCIO and UKMTO is recommended. Reports submitted in these formats will be processed efficiently by MSCIO and UKMTO, ensuring consistent dissemination to regional IFCs and industry.
Points of Contact: UKMTO and MSCIO will remain as central points in the VRA, with UKMTO acting as the primary point of contact for emergency response and MSCIO as the secondary point of contact.
Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA): All reporting centers will use the VRA as shown on UKHO Chart Q6099. The administrative notes on this chart are being updated.
Incident and Report Forms have been simplified and aligned across all regional reporting centers. Mariners can report to either UKMTO or MSCIO, both are recommended, but constraints based on national and commercial requirements are understood. To assist in information exchange, initial reports will be shared between centers unless there are specific constraints, which will be respected. In the event of an incident, UKMTO will function as the primary point of contact and the central information exchange, sharing information rapidly to enable efficient and effective response and support.
The changes outlined above come into force with immediate effect and mariners are requested to operate within these arrangements. Updates to websites reflecting the changes are already in progress, and all administrative changes, including an update to UKHO Chart Q6099, are expected to be complete by 31 March 2025. These changes will also be reflected in the next edition of the BMP. Once all changes are complete, formal notification will be issued by UKMTO and MSCIO.
