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• In view of recent reports indicating heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against U.S. forces and interest, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator has issued the Ship Security Advisory No.05-19 (copy attached) which supplements information and navigation warnings routinely provided by other sources concerning vessels operating in or near the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman.

• Administration has provided following guidance for RMI flagged vessels operating in these areas:

1. In the possibility that a vessel is hailed by non-coalition naval forces, vessels navigating these waters are required to provide vessel name, flag State, and affirm that they are exercising navigation rights in accordance with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

2. If non coalition naval forces seek to board vessel navigating these waters, the ship’s Master is required to, if the safety of the ship and crew would not be compromised, decline permission to board by noting that the vessel is exercising navigation rights in accordance with international law.

3. If non-coalition naval forces attempt to board, the crew should immediately contact the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet Battle Watch. The crew should not forcibly resist the boarding party. Refraining from forcible resistance in no way indicates consent or agreement that such a boarding is consistent with international law.

4. All vessels are required to be aware that coalition naval forces may conduct maritime awareness calls, queries, and approaches to ensure the safety of vessels transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman. Vessels approaching coalition naval forces are advised to maintain radio contact on Very High Frequency (VHF) Channel 16.

5. In addition, vessels are also advised to establish contact with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Office (UKMTO). UKMTO advisories, warnings, and contact info are available at http://www.ukmto.org
   • Administration has advised to report any incidents immediately to coalition naval vessels on VHF Channel 16, the 5th Fleet Battle Watch via phone at +973-1785-3879, and email details to: BWC@ME.NAVY.MIL

• RMI flagged commercial vessels bound for the Strait of Hormuz in either direction are encouraged to contact the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping Watch at least two days prior to transit at: NCAGS_BW@ME.NAVY.MIL or +973- 3904-9583.

• All suspicious activities and events must be reported to the RMI Maritime Administrator at dutyofficer@register-iri.com and shipsecurity@register-iri.com.

• Ship owners/ operators and masters are advised to take note of above and requested to forward this Ship Security Advisory (SSA) to their ships.

Enclosure:

• RMI Ship Security Advisory no. 05-19

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

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