MSB 04/2025 - Security situation in the Arabian Gulf, Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman

Dear Shipowners, Operators and Masters

Subject: Security situation in the Arabian Gulf, Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman

Due to recent military strikes against Iran, it is likely that certain hostile actions against commercial shipping may be seeing a resurgence. Particularly, any vessels with ties to the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel are at a perceived greater risk for being targeted. Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman are to operate at security level 3 and implement all protective measures in their Ship Security Plan .

Recommendations

All vessels should report to the UKMTO and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) in accordance with industry BMP (Best Management Practices) and take advice from the coalition forces operating in the area. Best Management Practices 5 (BMP5) will continue to provide the necessary guidance for shipping to ensure threat and risk assessments are developed for every voyage to mitigate the risks presented by remaining security threats in the region. The shipping industry will continue to monitor and advise on maritime security threats to assist the safe transit of vessels and the seafarers.

UKMTO acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels and liaison with military forces in the region. Vessels are encouraged to register with UKMTO and report their positions (By email daily at 08.00 UTC) whilst operating in the area.

The MSCIO is the planning and coordination centre for the EU Naval Forces (EU NAVFOR). MSCIO encourages companies to register their ships’ movements before entering the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA).

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Contact Information

In an emergency, vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, should contact NAVCENT Battle Watch Phone: +973-1785-3879; Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) Primary Watch Floor Phone: +973-1785-0033, Contingency Mobile Phone:

+973- 3940-4523, Email: m-ba-cusnc-ncags@us.navy.mil.

Contact MSCIO prior to transiting the Gulf of Oman, Straits of Hormuz and Arabian Gulf.

The contact details of MSCIO are:

Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSCIO) Email postmaster@mscio.eu

Telephone +33 (0) 298 220 220 +33 (0) 298 220 170 Fax +44 1923 958520 Website www.ukmto.org

When transiting the Gulf of Oman, Straits of Hormuz and Arabian Gulf should register their vessels with UKMTO

Email: watchkeepers@ukmto.org and ukmto@eim.ae

Phone: +44 - 2392-222060, +971-50-552-3215 Fax +44 1923 958520

Please keep LISCR’s Security Department informed of any security incidents at: Office of the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs Republic of Liberia

22980 Indian Creek Drive, Suite 200 Dulles, Virginia 20166 USA

D: +1 571 495 5944 / O: +1 703 790 3434 / F: +1 703 790 5655

Email: Security@liscr.com www.liscr.com