hormuz

Marshall Island: GUIDANCE TO VESSELS OPERATING IN OR NEAR THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ

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Based on the United States (US) Maritime Administration (MARAD) Advisory #2015-01, this Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI)  issued Ship Security Advisory05-2015 superseding RMI Marine Safety Advisory No. 184-11 to reflect a recent increase in challenges involving commercial ships transiting the Arabian/Persian Gulf (Strait of Hormuz) and provide guidance to mariners in such circumstances. Operators with RMI flagged vessels in the affected area are requested to forward this Advisory to their ships by the most expeditious means.

The advisory specifies following measures

  1. If an RMI flagged vessel engaged in transit through the Strait of Hormuz or its approaches is hailed by Iranian forces, it should provide its vessel name and affirm that it is exercising the right of transit passage in accordance with the UNCLOS.
  2. If boarding of an RMI flagged vessel engaged in transit through the Strait of Hormuz or its approaches is requested by Iranian forces, the ship’s Master should, if the safety of the ship and crew would not be compromised, decline permission to board by noting that the vessel is in transit passage and not subject to Coastal State enforcement jurisdiction.
  3. If a boarding by Iranian forces occurs even after declining permission, the boarding should not be forcibly resisted by persons on the RMI flagged vessel. Refraining from forcible resistance in no way indicates consent or agreement that such a boarding is lawful.
  4. Vessels are advised to report such incidents immediately to Coalition Naval Forces on VHF Channel 16, via email to cusnc.bwc@me.navy.mil, and by phone to +973-1785-3879. The Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain should also be contacted at marlo.bahrain@me.navy.mil and +973-3940-1395.
  5. Vessels are also to report such activity to the RMI Maritime Administrator at dutyofficer@register-iri.com.
  6. All vessels should be aware that Coalition Naval Forces may conduct maritime awareness calls, queries, and approaches in order to ensure the safety of vessels transiting the Arabian/Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. RMI flagged vessels approaching Coalition Naval Forces are advised to maintain radio contact on VHF Channel 16.

Source: IRI

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