Marine Security Advisory: 07/2023 - Security Situation in Israel Ports and Territorial Waters

08 December 2023

MARINE SECURITY ADVISORY – 07/2023

(Supersedes Security Advisory: 05/2023) Subject: Security Situation in Israel Ports and Territorial Waters

The following changes have been included:

1. Security situation in the port of Ashkelon

Dear Owners/Operators/Company Security Officers/Masters:

Due to the ongoing security situation in Israel, there is an increased risk for vessels operating in and around ports in Israel and its territorial waters. As a result of the security situation, Permission to berth or discharge cargo while anchored at the port of Ashkelon may be granted on a case-by-case basis. All vessels seeking to discharge at Ashkelon are advised to seek local advice from ship’s agents and the port authorities. All ship operators and masters of Liberian Flagged vessels should take the following precautions while transiting the territorial waters of Israel:

• Make frequent checks with local sources of information, e.g. vessel agents, local authorities, and/or P&I correspondent in order to obtain the most up-to-date and reliable security information;
• Carefully assess all port calls on a case-by-case basis;
• Review their relevant contingency plans and apply them accordingly;
• Vessels should contact the authorities at ports in Israel they are planning to visit for the current security level and act on the security level set for that port, in accordance with the approved Ship Security Plan

At a minimum, any Liberian Flag vessels calling at ports in Israel shall set security level 2 and implement measures in accordance with their approved Ship Security Plans.

Operators and Masters should complete a Risk Assessment prior to entering the territorial waters of Israel. 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