Red Sea / Gulf of Aden – Summary Briefing paper

Ship security level

• The major flag states recommend vessels set ISPS Security Level 3 when transiting the southern Red Sea, Bab El-Mandeb Strait, and the western area of the Gulf of Aden.
• CSO / SSOs should monitor the guidance from their flag state, and review the Ship Security Plan where appropriate, having due consideration for any revised threat assessments and tactics that are being employed at the time.

Threat assessment

• The Houthi rebels continue to adopt new tactics involving the deployment of increasingly more sophisticated missiles and the utilisation of unmanned vehicles from both sea and air. CSO / SSOs should consider these new risks when reviewing and updating their Ship Security Plans, and the implementation of appropriate protective measures on board.

Alternative Routes

• Several flag states have advised the avoidance of the region and the use of alternative routing until such time as the situational threat level reduces, although vessel owners and operators may, through pre-existing obligations, consider themselves to be contractually constrained in their choice of route.
• Should it be necessary to navigate the Red Sea route vessels should exercise extreme caution implementing and following the latest flag and industry guidance. Vessel course, speed and distance from the Yemeni Coast should be optimised to promote the safety of the vessel and crew.

AIS & Communications

• AIS policy should be reviewed and defined as part of the pre-voyage threat assessment. It should be noted that there are differences in viewpoints between flag and other intelligence providers on whether AIS should remain on or off. Vessels should follow their flag and company guidance. The master’s overriding authority for the safety and security of the vessel should be clearly stated and understood when considering the utilisation of AIS. In turning off an AIS unit consideration should be given to the potential for a delay in the provision and effectiveness of military support in the event of an attack.
• If AIS is switched off, flag state / UKMTO / MSCHOA should be advised, and an alternative means identified to regularly communicate with these bodies, in line with their guidance.
• An emergency communications plan should include activation scenarios for the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).
• It is important to monitor and maintain communications with coalition forces in the area.
• The vessel should be registered with the UKMTO and MSCHOA vessel movement program.
• MSCHOA, UKMTO, CTF 153 and private service providers are available to provide mariners with frequently updated information and current threat assessments based upon such factors as vessel ownership, affiliations and trading patterns. 
• Mariners are advised to consult the above websites when conducting their pre-voyage risk assessments and follow / incorporate any advisory information into the ship voyage or security plan as appropriate.
• There is a possibility of being contacted by “Yemeni Navy” forces. This radio traffic should be disregarded, if safe to do, and advice sought immediately from coalition forces in the area. 

Vigilance & Manning

• Vigilance is of key importance. Consideration should be given to enhancing lookout capability and manning during the transit to include, if possible, a full 360° view of the vessel surroundings.
• In addition to watching the waters around the vessel the airspace also needs consideration which may necessitate additional personnel to ensure complete coverage of the vessel’s surroundings.
• Although a significant number of attacks have taken place during daylight hours, it is important to remain vigilant at all times. 
• The approach of small craft that can represent a risk to the vessel may be overlooked and they can be visually difficult to detect.
• This remains the case whether seas are calm or rough, and during hours of daylight or darkness.
• The time taken to transit the area, combined with the requirements for increased vigilance and manning levels, may contribute to the risk of fatigue for those on board. Fatigue may result in a reduced level of alertness to potential threats, and this should be borne in mind during the threat and risk assessments and when considering additional manning requirements.

BMP

• The BMP guidelines were originally drafted to address the threat of Somali Pirates.  Different means of disrupting vessels are now utilised ranging from helicopters, unmanned surface vehicles, drones, and high velocity munitions.
• BMP5 is, however, still relevant and referenced in flag state advice.  Crews should familiarise themselves with the contents of the document.

Drills

• Drills should be conducted frequently and include fire and security exercises. Ideally these will be undertaken before transit so as not to contribute to the potential increased fatigue factor, particularly where there is a likelihood additional lookouts will be required during passage.
• All crew should be briefed before the transit and understand fully their roles and responsibilities in the event of an incident. On board preparation is key, ensuring crews react positively if subject to attack.
• Information gained from Intelligence organisations can be used to assist in drill planning.

Private Security

• Private Security can be a controversial issue. The actions of contractors may trigger consequential retaliatory action and escalate an already tense situation. The ability of hostile forces to swiftly call up reinforcements should be borne in mind during any decision-making considerations involving contractors.

Reporting Incidents and near misses

• Reporting of any attack, incident, or near miss, should be undertaken at the safest and earliest opportunity. 
• It is important to report and catalogue near misses by means of missiles or other tactics as this assists in tracking the implementation and evolution of tactics that are being deployed in the region.

Mental Health Support Services (MHSS)

• In the event of attack crews on Member’s vessels entered with the Club have access to the support and counselling services of MHSS. The trained MHSS Clinical Psychologists can provide support in over 50 languages and are available free of charge 24/7 to Club Members through the Club’s dedicated freephone number and additionally through the MHSS email, and text system. For details, please contact your Club representative or e-mail [email protected]..

Contact details

• The following list contains recommended contact details for vessels to quickly reference prior to and during their Red Sea transit.
• It is recommended to pre-prepare messages, and satellite and email communications in line with UKMTO & MSCHOA guidelines.

Flat State Guidance