Increased risk to commercial vessels, Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Issued: 1 month ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 27 Oct 2023 - 10:00 | CW Alert 017- (Oct 23) | Europe | General alert | Military | MARAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A U.S. Maritime Advisory has been issued to all U.S.-flagged commercial vessels operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, stating that in light of current tensions and hostilities in the Eastern Mediterranean, there is an increased risk to commercial vessels operating in the region. Vessels are advised to exercise caution; conduct a risk assessment; review security measures; review current NATO Shipping Centre and coastal broadcast warnings, and incorporate appropriate protective measures into their vessel security plans. Vessels should ensure AIS is transmitting at all times (except when the master believes that continuing to operate AIS might compromise the safety or security of the ship) consistent with provisions of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and monitor VHF Channel 16. It is also requested that in the event of any suspicious activity or incidents that U.S flagged commercial vessels should immediately inform the NATO Shipping Centre, the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center (NRC) and activate the Ship Security Alert System. Any incident report submitted to the NATO Shipping Centre or U.S. Coastguard should also have the 6th Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) placed in copy. U.S.-flagged commercial vessels are encouraged to participate in the NSC’s Mediterranean Voluntary Reporting Scheme. Reporting entails contacting the NATO Shipping Centre when entering or departing the Mediterranean Sea and/or departing a port in the Mediterranean Sea. The preferred reporting method is online using the “Mediterranean Reporting Scheme – Format A” reporting form found on the NATO Shipping Centre website. Alternatively, the forms can be downloaded, filled in, and submitted by email to [email protected]. | |||||