MARAD: Security threats to commercial vessels in key regions

The U.S. Maritime Administration has issued an advisory titled Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Northwestern Indian Ocean, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, and Persian Gulf-Threats to Commercial Vessels.

These threats include:

Houthi Hostile Actions:

• Commercial vessels transiting the specified regions face an increased risk of hostile actions from the Houthis.
• These actions include various forms of attacks such as UAV attacks, missile attacks, small arms fire from small boats, explosive boat attacks, and illegal boardings.
• There have been multiple Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, affecting numerous nations since November 19, 2023.
• Recommendations include maintaining distance from Yemen's territorial sea, coordinating with naval forces for guidance, and providing hourly positional updates to relevant authorities.
• It's advised to remain vigilant and relocate crew members to safe spaces if suspected threats are observed.

Iranian Illegal Boarding/Detention/Seizure:

• Commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea are at risk of being illegally boarded, detained, or seized by Iranian forces.
• Recent incidents highlight the potential danger, with Iranian forces attempting to seize vessels and utilize small boats and helicopters during boarding operations.
• Guidance includes responding to Iranian hails, declining permission for boarding if safe to do so, and refraining from forcible resistance if boarded.

Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships:

• Recent piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Somali Basin pose a threat to commercial vessels.
• Pirates may use captured fishing vessels as motherships to target ships operating far from the Somali coast.
• Mariners are advised to consult Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy (BMP5) and exercise caution when operating in these areas.

UAVs:

• Commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea face a threat from UAV attacks.
• Recommendations include relocating non-essential crew members to safe spaces upon detecting suspected UAV activity.

Limpet Mines:

• Limpet mines pose a threat primarily in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman.
• Vessels are advised to maintain a close lookout for suspicious activity and relocate crew members to safe spaces if a mine threat is detected.

The advisory provides detailed guidance for U.S.-flagged commercial vessels to mitigate these risks, including maintaining vigilance, adhering to international law, coordinating with naval forces, and reporting suspicious activities. It also advises against yacht and pleasure craft operations in these areas and provides contact information for relevant authorities.

The advisory is active from February 2, 2024, to July 31, 2024, and supersedes prior advisories.

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

Southern Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, Northwestern Indian Ocean, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, and Persian Gulf-Threats to Commercial Vessels