Industry associations update safety protocols for Red Sea, Gulf of Aden

Escalating security concerns in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, five major maritime organizations have collaborated to issue updated safety protocols for vessels sailing through these waters. Jointly developed by BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, and OCIMF, the guidance provides detailed recommendations for ship operators and masters on enhancing security measures and responding to potential threats in the region.

The recommendations cover a wide range of scenarios, from initial voyage planning to real-time threat responses and post-incident management.

The advice also includes mention of threats to ships transiting in the region, which have been identified as follows:

• Houthi forces masquerading as Yemeni Coast Guard or navy officials and attempting to coerce merchant ships to sail to Yemeni ports.
• Anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles have sophisticated terminal guidance, typically using radar and/or electro-optics.
• Anti-ship ballistic missiles. These missiles typically aim at a geographical coordinate or have only basic, unreliable terminal guidance.
• Water-borne improvised explosive devices (WBIED), also known as Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). Typically, skiffs are occasionally mounted with dummies, fitted with an impact fuse and laden with explosives.
• Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, or drones) are occasionally used.
• Crewed skiffs using RPGs and small arms.
• Uncrewed undersea vehicles have been reported, but no vessel has been attacked using these.
• Mines are near entrances to Houthi-controlled ports, and on rare occasions, mines have become detached from their tether and have drifted into the traffic lanes.
• Houthi hijack/kidnap teams in skiffs.
• Houthi hijack/kidnap teams in helicopters. Although the possibility of an airborne attack from helicopters during darkness exists, it is more significant during daylight hours.

The emphasis is on thorough preparation and constant vigilance. Shipowners and operators are advised to conduct detailed risk assessments before embarking on voyages through the area. During the approach to and journey through the affected waters, crews are instructed to maintain a high level of alertness and follow specific procedures tailored to various threat levels.

The guidance provides step-by-step instructions for different situations, including how to react when encountering suspicious vessels and what actions to take if an attack occurs. It also outlines essential post-incident procedures, ensuring crews are prepared for all eventualities.

Article from Insurance Marine News, September 30th 2024