The Republic of Liberia has issued a Marine Security Advisory to inform of the imminent threat of attacks by armed skiffs, drones or anti-ship missiles in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.
Over the last few months, there have been threats and attacks on multiple vessels engaged in innocent passage through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. On multiple occasions missiles from drones have been launched and ships have been demanded to turn around and proceed to Yemen. According to Skuld Club, recent data show Bab el Mandeb transits have climbed to their highest level in almost two years, signalling a cautious recovery in the Red
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.
Liberia informs that the Operation Prosperity Guardian’(OPG) which commenced in the Southern Red Sea (SRS) is a presence and deterrence mission in support of the Freedom of Navigation currently commanded by Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50. This surface warfare task force will continue OPG’s commitment to freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the Southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and western Gulf of Aden.
Key Recommendations
– Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are to increase their security level to security level 3 and implement all protective measures in their Ship Security Plan.
– Vessels in the ports of the affected area are required to act upon the security level set by the Designated Authority at those ports, but may implement security level measures equivalent to a higher 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.
However, Liberia highlights that 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. To remind, on 31 March, industry associations also issued a consolidated and enhanced publication Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security (MS).
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.