Marine Security Advisory: 01/2017 - Republic of Yemen Territorial Waters and Ports

February 17, 2017

MARINE SECURITY ADVISORY: 01/2017

(This Marine Security Advisory supersedes Marine Security Advisory 2/2016)

Subject: Republic of Yemen Territorial Waters and Ports

Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master of Liberian flagged vessels;

Certain groups remains powerful forces in Yemen 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).

Due to what may be an escalation in the security situation in and around the Bab el Mandeb Strait, the southern Red Sea and Yemini ports, Masters of Liberian flagged vessels scheduled to call at ports and/or operate in or near the Republic of Yemen Territorial Waters shall ensure the security level of their vessels is equivalent to Ship Security Level 2; take precautions in accordance with their Ship Security Plan and, while maintaining safe navigation, should consider the following:

For vessels operating in or near 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.
• Keep the farthest possible distance from the Yemen coast.
• Transit the Bab el Mandeb strait during daylight hours.
• Use the western TSS / Hanish Islands.
• Increase speed and maintain vigilance during transit of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.  Increase look-out and radar watch to ensure 360° situational awareness during transit  Avoid close CPAs to small crafts.
• Make ready the 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 and surroundings 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

All attacks and suspicious sightings should be reported to UKMTO and Liberia Security.

UKMTO

Email: ukmto@eim.ae

Phone: +971 50 552 3215

Fax: +971 4 306 5710

Telex: (51)210473

Liberia Security

Email: security@liscr.com

Phone: + 1 703 790 3434

AOH Phone: + 1 703 963 6216

AOH Email: dutyofficer@liscr.com

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 + 1 703 251 2405 email security@liscr.com;

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