Web Alert: Interim guidance on maritime security in the Southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb

The International Chamber of Shipping, BIMCO and INTERTANKO have published an interim guidance note on maritime security in the Southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb. This guidance note has been published in response to the conflict in Yemen and the development of maritime threats beyond the threat of piracy in the region, including missiles, sea mines and water-borne improvised explosive devices.

The interim guidance is to be read in conjunction with BMP 4 and is aimed at assisting Company Security Officers and Masters in conducting a threat assessment in respect of transits through the Southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb.

The interim guidance stronly suggests that ships should register with the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) and United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, to ensure that the military is aware of the ship's presence in the region. Furthermore, use of the Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MTSC) is strongly recommended.

For more information on the interim guidance note, please see here. 

We strongly recommend that members comply with the latest version of Best Management Practices (version 4) and related guidance in all affected areas.

For further information, please contact your usual contact at the club or the authors of this article.