(WASHINGTON) — Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in late February 2022, commercial vessels have reportedly been struck by projectiles and experienced explosions in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. There have also been reports of moored and drifting naval mines.
• NATO Shipping Center – Risk of collateral damage in the northwestern, western and southwest Black Sea
• NAVAREA III warnings in force
While some past actions may have targeted specific commercial vessels due to their association with certain countries or their activity, the potential remains for miscalculation or misidentification, resulting in a high risk of damage to commercial vessels in the region.
Guidance
U.S.-flagged commercial vessels operating in these areas are advised to exercise caution; conduct a risk assessment; review security measures; review current NATO Shipping Center, NAVAREA III and other coastal broadcast warnings; and incorporate appropriate protective measures into their vessel security plans.
U.S.-flagged commercial vessels should ensure AIS is transmitting at all times (except when the master believes that continuing to operate AIS might compromise the safety or security of the ship) in keeping with provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and monitor VHF Channel 16.
In the event of any incident or suspicious activity, U.S.-flagged commercial vessels should immediately notify the NATO Shipping Center, the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center, the U.S. Sixth Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) detachment, and activate the Ship Security Alert System. U.S.-flagged commercial vessels are also encouraged to participate in the NATO Shipping Center’s Mediterranean Voluntary Reporting Scheme.
Reporting entails contacting the NATO Shipping Center when entering or departing the Mediterranean Sea and/or departing a port in the Mediterranean Sea. The preferred reporting method is online using the “Mediterranean Reporting Scheme – Format A” link. Alternatively, the forms can be downloaded, filled in, and submitted by email to the NATO Shipping Center.
In accordance with 33 CFR 101.305, all suspicious activities, breaches of security, and transportation security incident events must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center.
U.S. mariners in this area are advised to consult Department of State travel advisories. All American citizens abroad should inform the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of their plans to transit the area and/or update their information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Contact information
• NATO Shipping Center (NSC): info@nato.shipping.int or +44 (0) 1923-956-574. NSC advisories and warnings can be found here.
• U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center: +1-703-313-5900 or https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/contact/gps-problem-report.
• U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center: +1-800-424-8802 or hqs-smb-nrc@uscg.mil.
• U.S. Sixth Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS): +39 081 568 3612 or M-NA-CNE-CNA-C6F-NCAGS@us.navy.mil.
• For maritime industry questions about this advisory, contact GMCC@uscg.mil. Supplemental information may also be found on the MarAd Office of Maritime Security website.
This advisory cancels U.S. Maritime Advisory 2023-010. This message will automatically expire on Aug. 25.
– U.S. Maritime Administration
