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AMERICAN CLUB MEMBER ALERT (July 23, 2019) RE – ENHANCED VIGILANCE RECOMMENDED FOR VESSELS TRANSITING ARABIAN GULF (AG), STRAITS OF HORMUZ (SOH) AND GULF OF OMAN (GOO)
 Following incidents of conflict, and the continuing risk of acts of piracy affecting merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Indian Ocean, Members with vessels transiting these regions are encouraged to maintain a high state of shipboard vigilance.
Vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf (AG), Straits of Hormuz (SoH) and Gulf of Oman (GOO) are encouraged to observe the Industry Reporting Guidance 19-07-21 which was released last Sunday as a joint advisory from BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, Intertanko and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF). Your Managers strongly recommend that this guidance is also posted on the vessel’s bridge for ease of access to watch officers, and that it be discussed during watch turnovers.
Vessels are also encouraged to report to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) when entering the Indian Ocean voluntary reporting area (VRA) as outlined in the Best Management Practices 5 (BMP5). Reference is made specifically to BMP5 page 38 line items 1-13 in the UKMTO initial report form.
Members should ensure that their vessels can provide the most accurate and up-to-date Company Security Officer and Master’s contact information in reports. These additional details allow the watch to effectively monitor and database vessels in the reporting scheme. When appropriate, carriers can further facilitate reporting by including the following supplementary lines in their initial report;
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14
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Estimated time of arrival to Suez Canal
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15
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Estimated time of arrival to Bab-el-Mandeb
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16
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Estimated time of arrival to Straits of Hormuz
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Initial and routine reports should be addressed to watchkeepers@ukmto.org (+44 2392 222060) with a CC: to US NAVCENT Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) cusnc.ncags_bw@me.navy.mil. Once direct contact has been established, the UKMTO and US NAVCENT NCAGS are able to provide direct warnings of maritime security incidents to reporting vessels, and the wider Industry. UKMTO advisories, warnings, and contact info are also available at www.ukmto.org.
Both watch-desks are manned 24/7 to coordinate effective response when necessary. If threatened, vessels in the conflict area should contact coalition naval forces on VHF Channel 16 immediately and report hostile activities to US 5th Fleet NCAGS detachment via the 5th Fleet battle watch captain at phone (+011 973 1785 3879).
Additional information can be obtained via the following links:
- BIMCO Industry Guidance:Â Safety and Security and the use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) in Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman (3 July 2019).
- US Maritime Administration (MARAD) Advisory & Guidance for U.S. Vessels:Â Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea-Threats to U.S. and International Shipping from Iran.
Members are reminded that the Club maintains a dedicated website space which contains a range of information on the subject of security threats, and guidance for Members on the hiring of armed guards. It also provides links to other industry information on piracy and armed robbery. It is available at:
Members are encouraged to refer to this section of the Club’s website or contact the Managers directly should they have questions about this matter, or generally.
