Persian gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea

ISPS-level

NMA maintains MARSEC/ISPS-level 2 for the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent Iranian TTW west of the Strait.

Iranian authorities will likely continue to threaten merchant ship in transit or port and anchorage areas with non-kinetic means. Aggressive enforcement by Iran towards merchant vessels might be linked to specific goals such as preventing smuggling, to exercise political pressure over disputed waters, but also to demonstrate naval enforcement capabilities.

Because of the high political stakes in the region, there is a risk of sudden escalation based on incidents, claims and misunderstanding that also might spin the conflict out of control, and affect the shipping industry.

It is considered to be high risk of GNSS and AIS disruptions in the region.

Mitigation Measures

• Utilize BMP5 in preparations and operations.
• Conduct security assessments before entering. Current transit advice is provided by UKMTO. Threat assessments for the region are also provided by EUNAVFOR and can be found on the MSCHOA website.
• Prepare ship and crew, through planning and exercises.
• Report to UKMTO and MSCHOA in accordance with guidelines
• Stay vigilant and maintain a high degree of situational awareness, both underway and at port.