Marine Security Advisory: 02/2016 - Republic of Yemen Territorial Waters and Ports

18 May 2016

MARINE SECURITY ADVISORY: 02/2016

(This Marine Security Advisory supersedes Marine Security Advisory 4/2013)

Subject: Republic of Yemen Territorial Waters and Ports

Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master of Liberian flagged vessels;

Al Qaeda’s Yemen branch and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) remains a powerful force and could pose a growing risk to merchant ships in vital waterways nearby despite efforts by Yemeni government forces and their allies to push back the group(s).

Until further notice, Masters of Liberian flagged vessels scheduled to call at ports and/or operate in the Republic of Yemen Territorial Waters shall ensure the security level of their vessels is equivalent to Ship Security Level 2 and take precautions in accordance with their Ship Security Plan.

For vessels operating in the Republic of Yemen Territorial Waters:

The Administration recommends the following additional precautions be taken at Ship Security Level equivalent to Ship Security level 2.

• Include the possibility of the use of small vessels as a waterborne improvised explosive device (WBIED) in the voyage specific Risk Assessment
• Give wide berth to any unidentified vessel/craft.
• Limit deck-work.
• Increase look-out and radar watch and avoid close CPAs to small crafts.
• Make ready the pre-prepared emergency procedures, including evacuation plans.
• Make ready the Emergency Communication Plan.
• If possible, alter course away from any unidentified approaching craft. When sea conditions allow, consider altering course to increase an approaching craft’s exposure to wind/waves.
• Prepare water spray and other self-defensive measures.

For vessels operating in the Republic of Yemen Ports:

The Administration recommends the following additional precautions be taken at Ship Security Level equivalent to Ship Security level 2.

• Request the completion of a Declaration of Security (DoS) (ISPS A/5)
• Limit access to a single, controlled, access point [ISPS B/9.17.1]
• Search of Restricted Areas as part of a search of the ship [ISPS B/9.24.2]
• Subject ship stores to extensive checking [ISPS B/9.37.1]
• Be prepared to restrict or suspend handling of ship’s stores [ISPS B/9.37.2]
• Prepare for restriction or suspension of unaccompanied baggage [ISPS B/9.41.2]
• Ensure the ship and its vicinity is illuminated during dark hours [ISPS B/9.49.1]
• Ship-owners/Operators and Masters should take precautions, if changing crews

Owners and operators are requested to provide a copy of this Advisory to their Masters.

For more information please contact the Security Department at telephone + 1 703 790 3434 email security@liscr.com; LISCR Duty Officer + 1 703 963 6216 email: dutyofficer@liscr.com

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