Industry Transit Advice, Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman

Industry associations have taken stock of the security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Sea of Oman and have decided to offer guidance regarding two transit corridors for consideration for Masters, Owners, and Operators.

Use of the corridors is not mandatory, and decision should be based on a thorough security risk assessment covering regional threat actors’ capabilities-, opportunity-, and motivation to attack different merchant ships.

This transit corridor guidance complements existing maritime security guidance, including BMP5 Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea all of which is available at the Industry Maritime Security Website: https://www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org/.

Maritime security in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Sea of Oman (the Region) remains challenging with a range of threats to vessels. Those threats continue to evolve and are likely to be different for subsequent visits to the Region. It is essential that Masters, Ship Security Officers, and Company Security Officers carry out detailed Threat and Risk Assessments for each voyage to the Region and for each activity within the Region.

To assist vessels transiting through the Region, a transit route has been recommended, as shown in the diagram below. Use of the Transit Corridors is entirely voluntary and remains a decision for the vessel operator and Master based on its own dedicated Risk Assessment.

Use of the Transit Corridors described may not be suitable for all vessels and the Master must consider normal navigational practices, including draft restrictions, and the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision.

For more information, please contact nick.hough@legacy.imca-int.com.