IBF to implement High-Risk Area in the Red Sea//Update on 26 Mar. 2024//

Following the incidents in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb strait since 19 November 2023, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) have agreed to designate the southern section of the Red Sea and the Strait as a High Risk Area with effect from 22 December 2023.

This means that seafarers transiting this area covered by IBF agreements will be entitled to:

• A bonus that is equal to basic wage, payable for the duration of the transit;
• Double compensation for death or disability;
• Mandatory requirement to increase security arrangements equivalent to ISPS Level 3. 

//Update on 19 Feb. 2024//

The IBF Listed area has been updated on 16 Feb. 2024. The major changes are;

• High Risk Area has been extended to east side of Gulf of Aden.
• Seafarers right to refuse sailing the High Risk Areas are added.

//Update on 26 Mar. 2024//

The IBF Listed area has been updated on 19 Mar. 2024. This decision taken at a meeting on 12 March 2024 follows the Houthi attack on M/V True Confidence which resulted in the death of three seafarers. The major changes are;

• South of Red Sea and Gulf of Aden including MSTC, which was designated as High Risk Area by former version has been designated as Warlike Operations Area.

Please refer attached file for more detail. We remain former version for your easy comparison.