Dated: 26th February, 2009
 

Subject: MARITIME SECURITY ADVISORY TO SHIPS / VESSELS TRANSITING GULF OF ADEN

For the attention of Ship Owners, Ship Managers, Shipping Agents, Ship Masters, Charterers, Ship Builders, Ship Breakers Associations, Classification Societies recognized by Directorate General of Shipping, Non-exclusive Survey Companies, Insurance Companies, Coastal State including Administrators of Union territories / Islands and Maritime boards, Major and Minor Ports, Sailing and Fishing Vessels Associations, Allied Offices of Directorate General of Shipping, National Hydrographic Office (NHO):

In the wake of a spate of piracy attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf of Aden, Indian naval ships have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden since October 2008 to provide escort services to ships. Besides the presence of Indian naval ships, the French, Russian, Malaysian, PLA(N) and Coalition forces from CTF 150 and the European Union Maritime Force (EUMF) are also undertaking anti piracy patrolling in the area.

Currently, the Indian Navy has been promulgating the convoy timings from either side of the Corridor, so that Indian flagged merchant vessels and vessels with Indian interests/ carrying Indian crewmembers can endeavour to be present at the designated times to avail of the escort provided by the Indian naval vessel on patrol. Information regarding merchant ships likely to avail of the security cover provided by the Indian warship is collated by DG Shipping and communicated to the Navy for onward transmission to the naval ship on patrol duties. Additionally, the warships on patrol have been establishing contact with the merchant ships when in VHF/ UHF range to reassure them of the Indian naval presence in the area, which has boosted the morale of the shipping community.

However, feedback received from naval ships on patrol indicate that many Indian flagged ships continue to proceed independently through the Gulf of Aden without availing convoy protection, which could lead to serious consequences that may include hijacking.

It may therefore be emphasized and impressed upon all concerned to transit the area strictly under convoy protection, to avoid any untoward incident to Indian shipping/ ships with Indian crewmembers and ships with Indian interests, since anti piracy cover by Indian Naval vessels is limited to the area in their vicinity.

This information may please be disseminated to all members.

Regards

         Sd/-
[CAPT. R Awasthi]
Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Tech).

Back to SHIPPING NOTICES main page