Maritime Security Notices
Active high-risk area warnings, piracy notices, BMP6 guidance and armed conflict zone information for voyage planning and ship security officers.
Active HRA Warnings
5 regions
Critical Level Areas
1 (Red Sea)
UKMTO Registration
Mandatory HRA
BMP Edition
BMP6 (2023)
Active Security Warnings
Red Sea / Gulf of Aden
Houthi missile and drone attacks
Active Houthi targeting of international shipping. Many carriers diverting via Cape of Good Hope. UKMTO/MSCHOA registration mandatory.
Applies to: All commercial shipping
Gulf of Guinea (W Africa)
Piracy, armed robbery, kidnapping
Nigeria, Benin and Togo waters remain highest risk. Crew kidnapping for ransom operations remain active. BMP West Africa guidance applies.
Applies to: All vessel types
Strait of Hormuz
State-sponsored vessel seizure risk
Iran has previously seized or harassed foreign-flagged vessels. UKMTO monitoring recommended. Transit planning with convoy option.
Applies to: Tankers, particularly VLCC
Malacca Strait (certain areas)
Low-level robbery (non-violent)
Opportunistic theft at anchor, particularly in Riau Islands. ReCAAP reporting required. Night watches to be increased at anchor.
Applies to: Vessels at anchor or slow speed
Mozambique Channel
Piracy, sporadic attack reports
Increased activity near Cabo Delgado. UKMTO watch area. BMP East Africa procedures apply.
Applies to: Vessels transiting north end
BMP6 Key Measures (Summary)
Pre-Transit Planning
Register with UKMTO before entering high-risk area. File transit plan. Ensure crew briefing completed. Check latest BMP guidance.
Ship Protection Measures
Razor wire on rails, water spray barriers, citadel prepared, fire hoses connected, CCTV operational, high-powered searchlights ready.
Bridge Watchkeeping
Increase OOW watchkeeping hours. Post additional lookout. Maintain radar watch on all ranges. Monitor VHF CH 16 continuously.
Speed and Routing
Maintain maximum possible speed. Avoid periods of slow speed or stopping in HRA. Avoid known piracy choke points where possible.
Reporting
Daily position reports to UKMTO. Report suspicious approaches immediately. File ReCAAP incident report after any incident or suspicious activity.
Citadel
Identify and prepare citadel location. Ensure communication equipment inside. Brief crew on citadel procedures. Confirm satphone/SSAS function.
Key Reporting Contacts
UKMTO (Gulf/Indian Ocean)
Tel: +971 50 552 3215
watchkeepers@ukmto.org
ReCAAP ISC (Asia)
Tel: +65 6376 0976
reepis@recaap.org
MSCHOA (EU Naval Force)
Tel: +44 1923 958545
eunavfor@eunavfor.eu