Marine Security Advisory: 04/2022 - Security situation in the Black Sea and the Azov Sea

February 28, 2022

MARINE SECURITY ADVISORY – 04/2022

(This Advisory supersedes Marine Security Advisory 03/2022)

The following changes have been included:

1. Security level in Ukrainian ports has been set to level 3
2. NAVAREA III warnings for Northwest part of Black Sea

Subject: Security situation in the Black Sea and the Azov Sea

Dear Owners/Operators/Company Security Officers/Masters:

Due to the escalating security situation in and around the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and territorial waters of the Ukraine and the Russian Federation in the Black Sea and the Azov Sea, Ukraine has set security level 3 in the sea and rivers ports of Ukraine. Masters of all Liberian flagged vessels currently in the Black Sea Ports of Ukraine shall raise security level to 3 and implement specific protective measures in the ship security plan and acknowledge receipt of the instruction on change of security level. Masters of vessels currently in the ports of the Russian Federation should ensure that the security level of their vessels is equivalent to Ship Security Level 3 and Masters of all other ships in the Black Sea should ensure that the security level of their vessels is equivalent to Ship Security Level 2; and take precautions in accordance with their Ship Security Plans.

Vessels’ movements are reported to be prohibited in the Azov Sea beginning 24 February 2022. No attempt should be made to access the Azov Sea. The Administration further understands that NAVAREA III warnings have been issued for danger to navigation related to mine laying activity and war risk off the Northwestern part of the Black Sea. Ships Masters should obtain the relevant NAVAREA III warnings and contact the local port authorities and ships agents for additional information.

Vessels operating in the Black Sea, specifically those near the EEZs of Ukraine and the Russian Federation, should avoid Ukrainian and Russian waters. Commercial operations within the Eastern Black Sea Ports, and the EEZs of Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria and Romania remain unaffected at this time.

Any vessels currently within Ukrainian and Russian ports of the Black Sea are encouraged to immediately leave if it is safe to do so and in accordance with local authority’s guidelines and instructions, if available. Operators and Masters should ensure that any planned operations or voyages do not take the vessel into any area, or engage in any activity, that would expose her to the risk of ongoing military operations. Vessels operating in these areas may encounter GPS interference, AIS spoofing, and/or other communications jamming. Vessels should ensure they are broadcasting on AIS (except when the Master believes that continuing to operate AIS might compromise the safety or security of the ship or when a security incident is imminent) and clearly state their intentions across VHF, consistent with provisions of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and monitor VHF Channel 16. Any vessels challenged by military vessels should comply fully with instructions.

This is a dynamic situation and changes may occur at any time. Owners, Operators, Company Security Officers and Masters are suggested to monitor the developments and to liaise closely with local port agents and P&I correspondents for the latest information on facility conditions, dangerous sea areas and temporary port closures and navigational restrictions.

Operators and Masters should complete a Risk Assessment prior to entering the Black Sea area.

In the event of any incident or suspicious activity, Liberian flagged vessels should activate the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) immediately and notify Liberia Maritime Security Department.

Email: security@liscr.com

Phone: + 1 703 790 3434

AOH Phone: + 1 703 963 6216

AOH Email: dutyofficer@liscr.com

For more information, please contact the Security Department security@liscr.com or the main number at telephone +1-703-790-3434.

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