The Liberia Maritime Authority has issued a notice to inform on the security situation in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.
On multiple occasions missiles from drones have been launched and ships have been demanded to turn around and proceed to Yemen. Threats to vessels include anti-ship missiles, anti-ship ballistic missiles, water-borne improvised explosive devices, and drones. Mines have been deployed near the coast of Yemen, and on rare occasions mines have detached from their tether and have drifted into traffic lanes. There have also been reports of unmanned undersea vehicles, though no vessel has been attacked by these devices.
The greatest threat is in the vicinity of the Yemeni, Red Sea coastline. However, there have been attacks as far as 100 nautical miles from the coast. All owners, operators, and crews should remain cognizant of the threats in the area and understand the risk of transiting this area.
Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) has commenced in the Southern Red Sea (SRS). This is a presence and deterrence mission in support of the Freedom of Navigation commanded by Task Force 55. Vessels transiting in the SRS will note a number of coalitions warships and aircraft operating in the area as part of this operation.
Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea are to increase their security level to security level 3 and implement all protective measures in their Ship Security Plan. Vessels are required to comply with the security level set by the Designated Authority while calling ports in the affected area but may implement additional security measures equivalent to a higher security level.
In addition, US Naval Forces Central Command Bahrain (NAVCENT) has advised shipping that there continues to be a high degree of threat/risk to commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, specifically in the areas from 12 to 16 degrees North and West of 46 degrees East in the Southern Red Sea and Bab al Mandab Strait.
The decision to transit or call at ports within the affected area remains at the discretion of the Company, considering the number of recent targeted attacks on commercial ships with association to Israel by ownership, cargo or port calls by any of the Company’s ships. Vessels intending to transit should contact NCAGS for any information related to association with Israel.
As per International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.1106(29) paragraph 22, if the master believes that the continual operation of AIS might compromise the safety and security of his/her ship or where security incidents are imminent, the AIS may be switched off. Be advised that ships have been attached with AIS switched on and off.
While switching the AIS off can make it more difficult for the militia to track vessels, it will also make it more difficult for the vessel to receive support if needed. The Master may consider limiting AIS data to the mandatory fields and omitting the next port of call while transiting the affected area.
In addition, it’s advised that ships that do continue to transit with AIS turned off should provide position reports to COMUSNAVCENT every 2-3 hours.
All vessels should report to the UKMTO and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) in accordance with industry BMP (Best Management Practices) and take advice from the coalition forces operating in the area. Best Management Practices for Maritime Security will continue to provide the necessary guidance for shipping to ensure threat and risk assessments are developed for every voyage to mitigate the risks presented by remaining security threats in the region.
The shipping industry will continue to monitor and advise on maritime security threats to assist the safe transit of vessels and the seafarers. All vessels transiting Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Gulf are encouraged to report to the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), this is a voluntary reporting measure that promotes cooperation, stability and communication with partner stakeholders in the region as well as aligns with the most recent measures published in BMP MS.
Furthermore, when operating within territorial seas or calling ports within the previously defined HRA, Masters shall set the vessel security level to the level set by the port State authority but may implement security measures in excess of the security level set by the port authorities based on their assessment of the conditions in the port.
When operating outside territorial seas or ports within the previously defined HRA, all Liberian flagged vessels shall operate at security level II. All security level changes should be reported directly to the Flag Administration by the Master via email security@liscr.com.
The Liberian Administration strongly recommends that Vessels Owners, Characters, Operators and Ships Masters continue to carry out pre-voyage threat and risk assessments to consider the latest maritime security information from organizations supporting the VRA.
Liberian flagged vessels may consider using a Private Maritime Security Company (PMSC) to provide additional armed or unarmed security personnel while transiting the high-risk area. Authorized Private Maritime Security Companies.
Contact MSCHOA prior to transiting the Western Indian Ocean, the Somali Basin, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea.