Security – Professional Mariner

09 Apr

IMO: 20,000 seafarers stranded on ships in Persian Gulf

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsIMO, Security, shipping

(LONDON) — International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has urged states to support diplomatic efforts to secure the evacuation of around 20,000 seafarers still stranded in the Persian Gulf, and enable humanitarian corridors for urgent assistance. During a virtual meeting for foreign ministers from more than 40 countries hosted by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)…

23 Mar

IMO urges safe-passage framework for Strait of Hormuz

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsIMO, Security, shipping

(LONDON) — The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has strongly condemned the threats and attacks against vessels and the purported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2817, which have adversely affected merchant and commercial vessels and threatened the safety and welfare of seafarers. The council, meeting in an extraordinary session on…

03 Mar

U.S.-flagged tanker damaged in Bahrain port attack

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Security, shipping

(WASHINGTON) — A Monday morning attack by Iran on a port in Bahrain killed a shipyard worker, injured two more and damaged a U.S.-flagged tanker, USNI News reported. Stena Imperative, an oil tanker that is part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Tanker Security Program, suffered damage after it was hit at about 2 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time, according to a…

02 Mar

MarAd alert: Military action, retaliatory strikes in Mideast

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Security, shipping

(WASHINGTON) — On Feb. 28, significant military activity commenced in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. It is recommended that vessels keep clear of this area if possible to avoid military operations and potential retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces. Any U.S.-flagged, -owned, or -crewed commercial vessels that are operating in these areas should maintain…

27 Feb

MarAd advisory: Black Sea, Sea of Azov shipping threats

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsMarAd, Security

(WASHINGTON) — Since February 2022, and as recently as January 2026, commercial vessels have reportedly been struck by projectiles and experienced explosions in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Vessels have also reportedly been struck by drones and unmanned vehicles. Additionally, there have been reports of moored and drifting naval mines. While some past actions may have targeted specific…

21 Jan

Global maritime piracy, armed robbery increased in 2025

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, piracy, Security

(LONDON) — The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported an increase in global maritime piracy and armed robbery in 2025, classifying most cases as low level. According to the IMB Annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, 137 incidents against ships were recorded in 2025 compared to 116 in 2024 and 120 in 2023. It revealed that 121 vessels were boarded, four…

02 Dec

ABS Consulting publishes new guidance on Coast Guard cyber rule

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsLicensing and training, Security

(HOUSTON) — ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting), a global leader in safety, risk and asset integrity management, has released a paper to support vessel and facility owners and operators in meeting compliance with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Cyber Rule. This paper outlines practical steps to meet the first cybersecurity training deadline of Jan. 12, 2026. Titled "From Final Rule…

03 Nov

Healy monitors foreign research vessels on Arctic voyage

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsSecurity, U.S. Coast Guard

(SEATTLE) — The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Healy (WAGB 20) returned to its Seattle home port Sunday following a 129-day patrol that concluded its annual Arctic deployment. Healy, one of three Coast Guard polar icebreakers, steamed over 20,000 miles this deployment, supporting Operation Arctic West Summer and Operation Frontier Sentinel, protecting U.S. sovereign rights and territory, and promoting national security…

29 Oct

New AWO video highlights industry’s role in national security

Professional Mariner StaffTugboats & TowingSecurity

(ARLINGTON, Va.) — While the mariners who transport cargo and facilitate commerce on America’s rivers, coasts, harbors and Great Lakes are critical to powering the economy, they also play a vital role in safeguarding our nation. This video from the American Waterways Operators (AWO) highlights the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry’s contributions to U.S. national and homeland security.

27 Oct

Ransomware still top maritime cyber threat, ABS analyst says

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsCyberthreats, Licensing and training, Security

(SPRING, Texas) — Maritime operations run on tight schedules and thin margins, and as ships, terminals and supply chains connect systems for visibility and efficiency, attackers gain paths to entry. Cyber risk has become an operational reliability and safety concern, not just an information technology (IT) issue. “Whether we are looking at this challenge through an operational or organizational safety…