Marine Security Advisory: 12/2008 - RAISING TO SECURITY LEVEL II - FOR VESSELS TRANSITING OFF THE EAST COAST OF AFRICA

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

November 19, 2008

MARITIME SECURITYADVISORY – 12/2008

This Security Advisory supersedes ‘Security Advisory: 5/2008 and 06/2008’

SUBJECT: RAISING TO SECURITY LEVEL II - FOR VESSELS TRANSITING OFF THE EAST COAST OF AFRICA

Dear Owners/Operators/Masters:

In response to recent increase in the number of armed attacks in waters off the coast of Somalia and the latest attack which occurred 520 NM east of the border of Kenya and Tanzania, the Liberian Administration has set a MANDATORY SECURITY LEVEL II for all Liberian flagged vessels when operating or transiting off the coast of EAST AFRICA, effective immediately. Owners are strongly encouraged to advise their Masters to keep their vessels a distance of at least 600nm from the coast of Somali, Kenya and Tanzania if possible, when not calling at ports in the area, and to remain vigilant and question the intentions of all craft approaching their vessels.

Mandatory Security Level II shall be set when operating or transiting within 700 NM from the coast of East Africa between LAT 16° North to LAT 25° South and reported to the Administration via e-mail to security@LISCR.com. Security Level II is required to ensure higher vigilance and tighter controls to protect against possible acts of piracy.

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

In addition to increasing precautionary measures in accordance with the vessels SSP, the Administration recommends the following measures are implemented when operating in/transiting the affected area:

• Follow the emergency reporting procedures and schemes illustrated in Liberian Security Advisory 11/2008
• Restrict wire communications to the absolute minimum.
• Maintain a full 360° visual and radar watch throughout the transit; provide extra lookouts if possible, especially during daylight hours and closely monitor all targets.
• 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 and remove any equipment that is hanging over the side that could be used as a means to board/gain access.
• Navigate the affected area at maximum possible speed and use evasive maneuvers and heavy wheel movements, as necessary to avoid attempted hijacking.
• Complete a Declaration of Security, if calling at a port, and implement highest security measures necessary.
• Keep in close coordination with the CSO, Authorities, and Administration.

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.

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