Marine Security Advisory: 05/2008 - RAISING TO SECURITY LEVEL II - FOR VESSELS ENTERING THE COASTAL WATERS OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA

Fax: Email: Securit +1 703 790 5655 y@liscr.co m

May 22, 2008

MARITIME SECURITYADVISORY – 05/2008

SUBJECT: RAISING TO SECURITY LEVEL II - FOR VESSELS ENTERING THE COASTAL WATERS OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA

Dear Owners/Operators/Masters:

Effective immediately, the Administration has set a MANDATORY SECURITY LEVEL II for all Liberian flagged vessels when operating or transiting off the coast of SOMALIA.

Security Level II is required to ensure higher vigilance and tighter controls to protect against an increase in the number of armed attacks in waters off the coast of Somalia.

The IMB Piracy Reporting Center has received 31 reports of actual and attempted attacks in 2007. Many more attacks may have gone unreported and several attacks have occurred in the first quarter of 2008. IMB reports that the pirates are dangerous and would fire their automatic weapons and RPG at ships to stop them. Pirates are believed to be using “mother vessels” to launch attacks from, thus being able to reach passing ships 300nm from the coast.

Masters are advised to keep their vessels at least 300nm away from the coast of Somali if possible, when not calling at ports in the area, and to remain vigilant and question the intentions of all craft approaching their vessels.

The increase to Security Level II will remain in effect until further notice.

Ships arriving in the affected area are required to report setting of SECURITY LEVEL II to the Administration via e-mail to security@LISCR.com.

The Administration recommends the following measures considered when operating in affected area:

• Restrict wire communications to the absolute minimum.
• Emphasize extra security measures by adding more security personnel and roving watches as necessary.
• Refresh the crew regarding all the anti piracy measures as recommended by the ship security plan.
• Brief the crew regarding special security measures taken, before arrival to this region.
• Rig all the available equipment necessary to deter pirates from coming on board such as charging fire hoses.
• Keep a constant visual and radar watch and closely monitor all targets.
• Complete a Declaration of Security and implement highest security measures necessary.
• Master’s are advised to keep in close coordination with the CSO, Authorities, and Administration.
• Ensure that ship’s crew understands their duties in all anti piracy measures, and have all the necessary security training required.

For more information please contact the Security Department at telephone + 1 703 251 2435 email security@liscr.com; LISCR Duty Officer + 1 703 963 6216 email: dutyofficer@liscr.com;