Den Persiske Gulf, Hormuz-stredet, Omanbukten og Det Arabiske Hav

• Persian Gulf
• Strait of Hormuz
• Gulf of Oman as illustrated in the chart below.
• The Arabian Sea

Security level 3 means the level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target (ISPS A/2.1.11)

Norwegian Maritime Authority strongly advise all Norwegian-flagged vessels to avoid sailing in the areas, designated as MARSEC/ISPS-level 3, with the following instructions:

• Entering the Strait of Hormuz and entry into Iranian territorial waters and the Iranian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is strongly discouraged.
• Vessels currently operating within the Persian Gulf may exit or reposition within the areas if the situation permits.
• If operating in areas with Security Level 3, enhanced risk assessments and continuous vigilance are recommended.
• Port calls within the areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to the port’s risk profile. This requires enhanced and documented risk assessment, and provided that the prevailing security situation is continuously monitored.

The Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf remain at a critical risk level. Recent events demonstrate hostile activity occurring across an expanded geographic footprint within the Persian Gulf, extending well beyond the primary transit corridor of the Strait of Hormuz. The current situation reflects a threat against broad maritime disruption rather than selective vessel targeting (ref. JMIC#00126 – Update 019).

GNSS/GPS interference, spoofing, and jamming continues across the areas degrading positional reliability and contributing to AIS anomalies, false tracks, and intermittent signal loss (ref. JMIC#00126 – Update 019).

The maritime security level is upheld at MARSEC/ISPS-level 3 as indicated in the chart below: 

Arabian Sea

The maritime security level is upheld at MARSEC/ISPS-level 2 for the following areas:

• Arabian Sea

Security level 2 means the level for which appropriate additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a security incident.  (ISPS A/2.1.10)

Based on the resent incidents in the area related to the conflict in the Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf, the maritime security level for the northern area of the Arabian Sea has been upheld at MARSEC/ISPS level 2.  The maritime security level is upheld at MARSEC/ISPS level 2 as indicated in the chart below: 

Recommended Measures

• Use threat assessments and transit advice for the region are provided by UKMTO and EUNAVFOR. Can be found on the MSCIO website.
• Report to UKMTO and MSCIO in accordance with guidelines.
• Ensure that contingency procedures and routines for GNSS/GPS signal loss are relevant, up to date in accordance with the threat landscape, and implemented on board.
• Use "BMP Maritime Security" in preparations and operations and prepare the vessel and crew through planning and drills.
• Stay alert and maintain a high level of situational awareness, both at sea and in port. 

Recommended sources related the situation in the whole region:  

• Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC)
• United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre
• Maritime Security Center Indian Ocean (MSCIO)  

This change of MARSEC/ISPS-levels take is valid from 12.03.2026. 14.00 UTC. Updated 20.03.2026