Marshall Islands issues advisory on increased maritime risks due to geopolitical conflict in Syria

Eda Zenic -

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator issued Ship Security Advisory No. 08-24, addressing the ongoing geopolitical conflict in Syria. This advisory follows significant developments in the region, including the overthrow of Syria's President by rebel forces and missile strikes on Syrian ports. Given the escalating risks associated with the conflict, the advisory provides critical guidance for maritime vessels, particularly those RMI-flagged, operating in the affected areas.

Key Elements of the Advisory

  1. Security Level 3 for Syrian Ports and Waters:
    • The advisory places all Syrian ports and territorial waters at Security Level 3, meaning that the threat level is considered high, and ships must adopt the highest security measures. This includes heightened vigilance, restrictions on access to ports, and additional safety protocols to protect vessels from potential attacks or military actions. Ships are expected to take extra precautions while navigating in or near Syrian waters, given the unstable and dangerous environment.
  2. Increased Risk of Collateral Damage:
    • With the ongoing conflict and military actions, the risk to merchant vessels has dramatically increased. There is a real threat of collateral damage resulting from the fighting, such as missile strikes, naval skirmishes, or other military incidents. This could potentially affect civilian vessels transiting the Eastern Mediterranean, as military activities may spill over into commercial shipping lanes or ports.
  3. Immediate Actions for RMI-Flagged Vessels:
    • If any RMI-flagged vessel encounters an incident or suspicious activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is critical for the vessel’s crew to act immediately. The key actions required include:
      • Notify the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC): This ensures that the military and maritime authorities are aware of the situation and can provide support if needed.
      • Contact the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) National Response Center (NRC): This is essential for the U.S. Coast Guard to assess the situation and coordinate a response, especially if the incident involves U.S. assets or interests.
      • Activate the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS): The SSAS is a vital tool for sending a distress signal in case of an emergency, alerting authorities to a potential threat.
  4. Incident Reporting Requirements:
    • Any incident reports submitted to the NSC or USCG NRC must also be shared with the 6th Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) detachment, as well as with the RMI Maritime Administrator. This ensures that all relevant parties are informed and can take the necessary actions to manage the situation effectively.
    • Furthermore, RMI-flagged vessels are strongly encouraged to participate in the Mediterranean Voluntary Reporting Scheme initiated by the NATO Shipping Centre. Under this scheme, vessels are asked to report their entry to or exit from the Mediterranean Sea, as well as when departing ports in the Mediterranean. This reporting helps provide an overview of maritime activity in the region, contributing to better coordination and enhanced safety.
    • The preferred method of reporting is through the online Mediterranean Reporting Scheme – Format A, although vessels can also download the reporting forms and submit them via email.

Contact Information for Assistance and Reporting:

  • RMI Maritime Administrator: For any questions or concerns, you can contact the RMI Maritime Administrator via email at marsec@register-iri.com or dutyofficer@register-iri.com. Alternatively, you can reach the Administrator by phone at +1-571 441 1885.
  • NATO Shipping Centre (NSC): For issues relating to the Mediterranean Voluntary Reporting Scheme or other security concerns, contact the NSC via email at info@shipping.nato.int or by phone at +44 (0) 1923-956-574.
  • U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center (USCG NRC): For incidents involving U.S. interests, the NRC can be contacted via email at hqs-smb-nrc@uscg.mil or by phone at +1-800-424-8802.
  • 6th Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS): For reporting or issues specifically related to NCAGS, you can reach them via email at C6FNCAGS@eu.navy.mil or by phone at +39 081 568 4517.