Somalia, the southern Gulf of Aden and the western Arabian Sea
The maritime security level is raised to MARSEC/ISPS-level #2.
There is still a potential for pirate operations in the Somali basin, the Gulf of Aden and western part of the Indian Ocean, although the activity from pirates in the area have been low for the past months.
In general, merchant ships in transit should be aware of the potential to encounter small armed craft in this area, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, which may be engaged in legal and illegal activities. Encounters with such boats are likely, and small arms are almost always carried, even by fishermen. Mistakenly identifying these boats as pirate vessels is not uncommon.
The heighten MARSEC-level is valid until further notice.
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.