The US has released a Maritime Advisory highlighting the ongoing conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean, which states:

"In light of current tensions and hostilities in the Eastern Mediterranean, there is an increased risk to commercial vessels operating in the region." 

The US advises that caution should be used when navigating in this area, for ships to keep their automatic identification system (AIS) on (although it advises that the Master may turn it off in circumstances where they believe that continuing to operate AIS might compromise the safety or security of the ship), to monitor for security advice and review the ship security plan.

While this notice only directly applies to US-Flagged ships, the advice is relevant to all vessels.

The INTERTANKO advice issued in WN#41 of 13 October remains applicable as there has been no de-escalation (please find below). Further, US-launched air strikes in the region may encourage others to act.

Quote:

Heightened tensions in Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf

13 October 2023

Following the recent attacks on Israel by the Iranian-backed Hamas, tensions are expected to rise even further in the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf (including the Strait of Hormuz). Historically, ships connected to Iran have been attacked. Similarly, those ships and cargoes with a connection to Israel or Israeli nationals (however tenuous) have also been subject to attack. For all ships operating in this region, a ship-specific voyage risk assessment should be undertaken, particularly if the ship has any link to the belligerent States, and all ships are recommended to:

• Identify a safer area (usually the central stairwell) above the waterline to be used in the event of an attack from loitering munitions (LMs)
• Undertake a drill prior to entry to reinforce the use of this area
• Keep the AIS on
• Comply with the advice in the BMP5 as far as possible
• Report to UKMTO and keep IMSC and EMASoH updated on movements
• Identify any updated information from the Flag State and from other information sources
• Avoid Iranian waters as far as navigationally possible
• Sail close to the Omani coast
• Report any suspicious events
• If hailed by a naval vessel, follow the IMSC bridge cards
• Report any suspicious activity including the sighting of any drones, UAVs or other LMs to UKMTO/IMSC/EMASoH as appropriate and when safe to do so
• Masters should keep all crew informed of the situation.

For ships due to call at ports in Israel, the latest information from your agents should be sought as some ports may already be closed.

Un-Quote.

Source: INTERTANKO