Removal of the High-Risk Area (HRA) in the Indian Ocean from 1 January 2023

Following significant reduction in the threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean region, the maritime industry organisations have submitted a notification to the next meeting of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC-106) which is scheduled to start on 31 October 2022.

As per the attached submission, it has been decided that the High-Risk Area (HRA) in the Indian Ocean will be removed at 0001 UTC on 1 January 2023.

Even though the piracy related incidents in the Indian Ocean have declined, the conflict in Yemen and increased tensions (especially off Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf) have introduced other security threats to vessels operating in the region.

Members trading in that region are strongly recommended to consult Maritime Global Security website, comply with BMP5 procedures and ensure that their ships are hardened prior to entering the HRA.

Members are also recommended to refer to the latest US Maritime Advisory for the region, register the ship’s transit on MSCHOA website and send daily reports to the UKMTO to ensure that the military is aware of their presence in the region, and use the Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC) when transiting through the Gulf of Aden, Bab Al Mandeb, Southern Red Sea, and associated waters. 

Categories: Loss Prevention, Maritime Security