UK’s Marine Trade Operations Issues Advisories in Its Weekly Report

According to an article published in the Protection Vessels International, UK Maritime Operations has released the Weekly UKMTO report for last week. The report summarized on 22^nd July 2019 highlights the various incidents that took place in the past week.

About UKMTO

The United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO), delivers timely maritime security information, often acting as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels involved in maritime incidents or traveling within an area of high risk.

Command Overview

• Flag State guidance was given to Red Ensign Group (UK) shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
• All CSO’s should ensure that they are fully aware of the latest Flag State guidance and that it is communicated in a timely manner to Masters to allow completion of an informed ‘threat and risk assessment’ of their intended passage, in accordance with Section 3 of BMP5.
• A group of shipping industry organizations has today jointly issued reporting guidance for vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf (AG), Straits of Hormuz (SoH) and Gulf of Oman (GOO).
• The latest Industry Releasable Threat Assessment (01 Mar 19) and Bulletin (24 Jun 19) issued jointly by Commander Maritime Forces (CMF) and European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR).

Open Source Media Articles of interest

UKMTO has also compiled a list of open-source media articles of interest. However, it is is not responsible for the accuracy of this reporting.

• 19 July 19 – What’s behind Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz? (Los Angeles Times): https://lat.ms/2SulpSN
• 19 July 19 – U.S. amphibious group patrols the Arabian Sea as Iran tensions simmer (Reuters): https://reut.rs/2SvGz2N
• 19 July 19 – Commander CTF151 reinforces strong ties with the Royal Navy of Oman: https://bit.ly/2LANmHR
• 20 July 19 – Tanker seizure: Jeremy Hunt urges Iran to release Stena Impero: https://bbc.in/2JP6QW4

Advisories issued

Category: Incident

Description: UKMTO is aware of 2 incidents in PSN 2625N 05621E and PSN 2602N 05458E, The UK and its partners are currently investigating.

Recommendations: Vessels transiting the area are advised to exercise extreme caution.

Reporting Guidance for vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf (AG), Straits of Hormuz (SoH) and Gulf of Oman (GOO)

References: UKMTO Advisory Notice 002/JUL/2029, U.S. Maritime Alert 2019-004A, BMP5, and UKHO Security Chart Q6099.

Advisories to ships

The incidents against tankers transiting Straits of Hormuz on Friday 19 July have been widely reported (Ref A & B).

To ensure the safety of all vessels and allow navies to afford the best protection to global trade it is vital:

• Masters register with UKMTO when entering the Indian Ocean VRA.
• Comply with Flag State Guidance.
• 24-48 hrs in advance – Masters provide transit plans for the SoH and AG to UKMTO including:
  • Time of Entering/Exiting the SoH TSS.
  • Outline of Navigation Plan whilst operating in SoH and AG.
  • Any constraints or speed restrictions.
  • Crew Nationality.
• CSO’s ensure all contact numbers for UKMTO and USNAVCENT NCAGS are correct.
• In the event of any incident or being concerned, Masters should call UKMTO immediately.
• Masters answer all VHF calls from coalition navies.
• Channel 16 is becoming very busy, alternative channels will be offered.
• CSOs and Masters prepare, print and have available the correct response if called on VHF.

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Source: ProtectionVesselsInternational

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