Industry associations have come together to publish security guidance applicable to navigating in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. //Update on 27 Sep. 2024//

Since the car carrier hijacking incident in the Red Sea on November 19, 2023, a series of attacks on civilian vessels and suspicious approaches have occurred in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In response, industry organizations such as ICS/BIMCO/INTERCARGO/OCIMF have issued interim guidance on precautions to be taken when navigating this area.

https://www.bimco.org/insights-and-information/safety-security-environment/20231127-interim-industry-transit-guidance-southern-red-sea-and-gulf-of-aden

The text highlights the The maritime threat from the Houthi forces is greater in vicinity of the Yemeni Red Sea coastline where they are occasionally present. The Houthi threat is assessed to be directed mainly against ships identified by the Houthis as having links to Israel or Israeli nationals or ships directly associated with the Saudi-led coalition involved in the Houthi conflict with the Yemeni government. The threat from airborne activities is probably greater during daylight hours where targets are more easily identified and attacked/boarded, but the challenge of visually detecting and classifying small contacts at night such as a water-borne improvised explosive devices (WBIED) remain.

The guidance recommends implementing appropriate risk assessments, navigating through the Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC), and adopting measures like vessel hardening in accordance with BMP5.

For more details, please refer to the attached document:

Update on 18 Dec. 2023

Industry organizations　updated　their　guideline　due　to　series　of　attacks　recently.　In　the　guideline, they note that;

Recent attacks by Houthi using drones and anti-ship missiles have also been carried out during hours of
darkness. Maintaining lookouts during the entire passage, regardless of timing, is necessary.

The use of citadels / safe areas has proven to be successful in preventing the hijackers taking over the control of the ships. This has also provided valuable time for the Naval vessels within the areas to arrive for assistance. Use of citadel requires thorough preparation and understanding of advantages and pitfalls – the guidelines in BMP5 applies.

Please refer attached file.

Update on 07 Feb. 2024

Industry organizations　updated　their　guideline　due　to　series　of　attacks　recently.　In　the　guideline, they note that;

As a Military Recommendation, the threat level to ships with Israeli, United Kingdom and United States
interests remains high.  Advice to ships when they called by Yemeni Navy by VHF to alter the ship's course. Advice when ship transit South of Red sea with AIS switch off.

Please refer below link.

https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/media/1063/2024-02-05-interim-industry-transit-advice-srs-goa.pdf

Update on 27 Sep. 2024

Industry organizations　updated　their　guideline　due　to　series　of　attacks　recently.　In　the　guideline, they note that;

• The Houthis have broadened their threats beyond vessels they believe have links with Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom to include the whole fleet of those companies some of whose ship(s) may have previously called at Israeli ports one or two years ago. 
• Also, the guidance explain about the consideration for employing armed guard.

Please refer attached file ”2024-09-24_INTERIM_INDUSTRY_TRANSIT_ADVICE_SRS_GoA" .