UKMTO Advisory - Caution regarding military action in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz
Issued: 3 weeks ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 2026-02-28 07:00:00 | CW Alert 012- (Feb 26) | Indian Ocean | Advisory | Military | UKMTO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The UKMTO has reported significant military activity in the following areas; Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Mariners should be aware of the potential for elevated electronic interference, including disruption to AIS and other navigational and communication systems. UPDATE 1: There have been multiple reports of vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf stating that VHF Channel 16 broadcasts have claimed that the Strait of Hormuz (SoH) has been closed. These reports cannot be independently verified at this time. Mariners are advised that VHF broadcasts or statements indicating closure of the Strait of Hormuz are not legally binding and do not constitute a lawful restriction on navigation under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), unless implemented and enforced in accordance with applicable legal frameworks. UPDATE 2: The maritime security situation throughout the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Bab al Mandab, and the Strait of Hormuz remains highly unstable. Ongoing regional military operations continue to drive an elevated risk profile for commercial shipping.A substantial military presence and heightened operational activity persist across the area. Mariners are advised to exercise increased caution due to the risk of miscalculation or misidentification, particularly when operating near naval forces, sensitive maritime infrastructure, or key facilities. Vessels should also anticipate the possibility of VHF challenges and directed communications from military units. All vessels should: • Transit with caution and conduct enhanced risk assessments. • Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and be prepared to respond to hails. • Be alert to the risk of misidentification and the potential effects of electronic interference. • Where practicable, vessels may consider increasing distance from military units to reduce risk. • Report suspicious activity, kinetic activity, electronic interference, or abnormal VHF communications to UKMTO or MSCIO • Where practicable, vessels should maintain a standoff of 30 nautical miles from U.S. military vessels to reduce the risk of being mistaken as a threat and are strongly encouraged to maintain close contact with Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) The situation remains extremely dynamic and further updates as information becomes available. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity, kinetic activity, or electronic interference to UKMTO. | |||||