India: Introduction of online Ship Reporting and communication protocols for sensitive regions

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has published a circular regarding the implementation of an Online Ship Reporting system for specific maritime regions prone to security risks.

These regions include the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea region.

This circular was published on 10 April 2024.

Background and Purpose:

The advisory builds upon a previous circular (No. 27 of 2023) and observations on maritime security in the mentioned regions. It aims to simplify and enhance the mechanism for reporting and tracking maritime activities to ensure the safety of merchant ships, their crew, and maritime trade flows.

Implementation of Online Ship Reporting System:

• A dedicated online Ship Reporting Form has been established to streamline the reporting process. This system aims to create a robust database for efficient monitoring and swift response to any maritime security threats.
• Vessels transiting through the specified areas are required to submit their details daily via the online form accessible through a provided link.

Reporting and Communication Protocol:

• Reporting Protocol:
  • All vessels transiting through the designated areas must submit daily reports through the online Ship Reporting Form.
  • The measure aims to maintain a comprehensive vessel database for easier tracking and coordination, especially if the Indian Navy needs to respond to an incident.
  • The previous requirement of forwarding position reports specified in an earlier circular is replaced by daily reporting using the online link.
• Communication Protocol:
  • In the event of a maritime security incident, vessels are advised to contact the nearest Indian Navy vessel and coalition warship using VHF Channel 16.
  • They should also inform the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the vessel and relevant authorities like the DGComm Centre, IFC-IOR, and UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
  • A first information report should be transmitted to the DGComm Centre as soon as the situation allows.

Heightened Security Measures and Adherence to Protocols:

• Vessels, shipowners, and masters are reminded of heightened security risks and instructed to adhere to specified practices and precautionary measures outlined in previous circulars and SOPs.
• Weekly Maritime Security Updates from the IFC-IOR website are recommended for staying informed about security incidents worldwide.

Proactive Security Measures:

• It's advised to conduct comprehensive ship shore security drills covering various security scenarios, including piracy and loitering munitions threats.
• Testing of Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) before transiting through the specified regions is recommended to ensure operational readiness.

Maintaining Vigilance and Adherence to Security Protocols:

• All stakeholders are urged to maintain a proactive stance towards security, constantly enhancing preparedness through regular reviews and training.
• Collective vigilance and adherence to security SOPs/advisories are deemed crucial for mitigating evolving maritime security threats.

Reporting Suspicious Incidents:

• Any incident of a suspicious nature, even if it does not directly affect the vessel, should be reported to the DGComm Centre with a copy to IFC-IOR.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Introduction of Online Ship Reporting for the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Somali Basin, and Arabian Sea Region