Liberia: security alert in Red Sea

Liberia Maritime Authority issued a marine security advisory on the security situation in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.

The advisory was published on 17 January 2024.

This advisory brings crucial changes and heightened security measures for vessels transiting the Southern Red Sea area. The purpose is to inform Owners, Operators, Company Security Officers, and Masters regarding an imminent threat in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.

The Houthi militia poses a significant danger, targeting vessels with perceived affiliations with Israel, Israeli Nationals, or those associated with the Saudi-led coalition in the ongoing Houthi conflict with the Yemeni government. Recent weeks have seen multiple threats and attacks on vessels passing through these waters, including the launch of missiles from drones.

Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) is now active in the Southern Red Sea. This international Naval force, under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and commanded by Combined Task Force 153, aims to ensure Freedom of Navigation. Vessels transiting the Southern Red Sea should anticipate a notable increase in coalition warships and aircraft presence.

Liberian-flagged vessels traversing the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea are advised to raise their security level to level 3 and implement all protective measures outlined in their Ship Security Plan. Due to recent CMF strikes on Houthi military targets, US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) alerts of a high threat/risk in specific areas.

The decision to transit these areas remains at the discretion of the company, considering the recent targeted attacks on commercial ships. Vessels continuing to transit with Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned off are advised to provide position reports to NAVCENT every 2-3 hours.

In accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.1106(29) paragraph 22, if the master believes that continual AIS operation might compromise safety and security or if security incidents are imminent, the AIS may be switched off. Note that Houthi militia attacks have occurred regardless of AIS status.

All vessels are urged to report to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) following industry Best Management Practices (BMP). BMP5 will continue to provide guidance for threat and risk assessments, ensuring mitigation of risks in the region.

In case of emergencies, vessels transiting the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea should contact NAVCENT Battle Watch Phone, Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) Primary Watch Floor Phone, and the Contingency Mobile Phone provided. Territorial seas operations or port calls within the designated High-Risk Area (HRA) should adhere to the security level set by port State authorities.

Outside territorial seas or ports within the defined HRA, all Liberian-flagged vessels are instructed to operate at Security Level II. Any security level changes should be promptly reported to the Flag Administration via email.

The Liberian Administration strongly recommends ongoing pre-voyage threat and risk assessments, considering the latest maritime security information. Liberian-flagged vessels may also contemplate employing Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) to provide additional security personnel during transit in high-risk areas, contacting MSCHOA prior to transiting specified regions, including the Western Indian Ocean, Somali Basin, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):