Marine Security Advisory – 10/2022 (Rev. 1) - Security situation in the Black Sea and the Azov Sea

MARINE SECURITY ADVISORY – 10/2022 Rev.1

(This Advisory supersedes Marine Security Advisory 10/2022) Subject: Security situation in the Black Sea and the Azov Sea The following changes have been included:

1. Changed security level for ships transiting the Black Sea
2. Updated paragraph 2 to indicate that the Black Sea Grain Initiative is no longer in effect

Dear Owners/Operators/Company Security Officers/Masters:

Due to the ongoing 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 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 in the ports of the Russian Federation shall ensure that the vessels act upon the security level set by the Designated Authority at those ports. Due to recent targeting of ships in the Black Sea, Masters of all other ships transiting the Black Sea should ensure that the security level of their vessels is equivalent to Ship Security Level 3; and take precautions in accordance with their Ship Security Plans.

The Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and other Foodstuffs from Ukrainian Ports (Black Sea Grain Initiative), signed on 22 July 2022 in Istanbul is no longer effective, and the Ukrainian Black Sea Corridor was unilaterally established by Ukraine in August 2023. Liberian registered ships intending to call at ports in Ukraine and Russia should contact their P&I club, carry out an enhanced voyage risk assessment to take into account:

• current military activity
• missile and drone threats
• sea mine hazards
• port infrastructure damage
• navigational restrictions and routing requirements
• crew safety and emergency response arrangements
• security level set by the Designated Authority

Vessels operating in the Black Sea 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.

Commercial navigation in the Sea of Azov is subject to significant restrictions arising from the armed conflict, military activity, access controls, sanctions considerations, navigational hazards, and insurance requirements.

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, including drifting mines in the Southwestern part of the Black Sea and the northern approaches to Istanbul Straits. Ships Masters should obtain the relevant NAVAREA III warnings and contact the local port authorities and ships agents for additional information. Ships navigating in these areas should also monitor NAVTEX messages, maintain a proper lookout for suspicious drifting objects and report immediately to ships and coast radio stations in the area with position and direction and speed of wind and current.

Other vessels operating in the Black Sea should avoid Ukrainian and Russian waters. Commercial operations within the EEZs of Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria and Romania remain unaffected at this time.

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.

Advice, updates and links to external resources can be found at the following link: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTopics/Pages/MaritimeSecurityandSafetyintheBlackSeaandSe aofAzov.aspx

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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