Dated: 08.05.2009
 

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), Coast Guard:

     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 Maritime Force (EUMF) are also undertaking anti piracy patrolling in the area.

     Currently, the Indian Navy has been promulgating the convoy timing from either side of the corridor, so that Indian flag merchant vessels and vessels with Indian interest/ carrying Indian crew can endeavor to be present at the designated time to avail 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 collated by DG Shipping and communicated to the navy for onward transmission to the naval ships on the patrol duties. Additionally, the warships on patrol have been establishing contact with merchant ships when in VHF/UHF ranges to reassure them of Indian naval presence in the area, which has boosted the moral of the shipping community.

     However, feedback received from the naval ships on patrol indicate that many Indian flag 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 concerns to transit the area strictly under the convoy protection, to avoid any untoward incident to Indian shipping/ ships with Indian crewmembers and ships with Indian interest, since anti piracy cover by Indian Naval vessel is limited to the area in their vicinity.

     This information may be disseminated to all members.

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

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