UPDATE ON WEST AFRICA
The US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (US MARAD) has revised its advisory for the Gulf of Guinea (see 2021-002-Gulf of Guinea-Piracy/Armed Robbery/Kidnapping for Ransom).
The advisory revision therefore reflects the growing international concern for maritime security in West Africa and more specifically, the Gulf of Guinea. The advisory includes guidance for vessels transiting this area to visit the new Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade-Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG) and the NATO Shipping Centre website for additional information on threats and specific recommendations.
RED SEA/GULF OF ADEN/ARABIAN SEA/INDIAN OCEAN
The US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (US MARAD) has also revised its respective advisory for the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden/Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean regions (See 2020-017-Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean-Violence Due to Regional Conflict and Piracy)
The advisory warns that the conflict in Yemen continues to pose a risk to commercial vessels from threats which may come from a number of different sources.
The MARAD advisory recommends vessels operating in this area to review security measures, ensure their AIS is always transmitting (except in extraordinary circumstances, consistent with provisions of SOLAS), and monitor VHF Channel 16.
PERSIAN GULF
US MARAD revised its advisory for the Persian Gulf region on 7 January 2021 (see MSCI Advisory 2021-001-Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean-Threats to Commercial Vessels by Iran and its Proxies)
Multiple maritime threats have been reported in these geographic areas. Vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman may also encounter GPS interference, bridge-to-bridge communications spoofing, and/or other communications jamming with little to no warning. Vessels have also reported bridge-to-bridge communications from unknown entities falsely claiming to be US or coalition warships.
US MARAD additionally warns that all vessels should be aware that US and other coalition naval forces may conduct maritime awareness calls, queries, and approaches to ensure the safety of vessels transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea.
All INSB Class offices to communicate this Circular to their Auditors/Clients
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