STRAIT OF HORMUZ – MARITIME SECURITY

Published: 24 July 2019

Further to the recent incidents and attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz and Persian/Arabian Gulf regions, the latest advice issued by industry bodies, including BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping, Intertanko, the OCIMF and MARAD can be found via the following links;

• Reporting Guidance for vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf (AG), Straits of Hormuz (SoH) and Gulf of Oman (GOO)
• Safety & Security and the use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) in Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman
• 2019-004A-Strait of Hormuz-Vessel Boardings by Foreign Military Forces

Members and ship staff are encouraged to follow the relevant guidelines and recommendations, which include:

Security

• Increase ISPS security measures and levels proportionally
• Undertake a ship and voyage specific threat risk assessment before entering this region
• Register with and report to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) at least 48 hours in advance of the ship’s arrival in the region
• Maintain contact with coalition naval forces when in the region

Shipboard safety

• Increase vigilance and surveillance
• Be aware of potentially suspicious craft approaching
• Consider additional lookouts, briefed on maintaining a clear watch astern and over the side and equipped with appropriate (night vision) binoculars
• Ensure watertight integrity is maintained, and all fire-fighting equipment is available for immediate use

Navigation

• Comply with the navigational norms in the Strait of Hormuz, including the COLREGs Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes)
• Observe any exclusion zones issued by coastal states
• Use inshore traffic zones only if calling at ports within the inshore area or to avoid immediate danger
• Consider if a Day/Night transit is appropriate to the threat posed
• Ensure watch officers save Voyage Data Recorder (VDR / SVDR) data in the event of an attack or suspicious event in the vicinity of the vessel

Members should also comply with guidance from the relevant Flag Administration and implement appropriate recommendations from BMP 5 as required.

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