Security – Professional Mariner

26 Jun

IMO pauses evacuation in Strait of Hormuz after attack

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsIMO, Security, shipping

(LONDON) — Following an attack on a containership in the Gulf of Oman, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Thursday decided to temporarily pause its evacuation operation pending further clarity. The IMO began evacuating vessels from the region this week, in cooperation with member states and industry. "Following the launch of the IMO’s evacuation plan, through which several vessels have…

10 Jun

No safe passage: Strait of Hormuz remains ‘highly volatile’

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsIMO, Security, shipping

(LONDON) — Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), issued the following statement Tuesday about the ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Iran, and its effect on commercial shipping: "I am increasingly concerned by reports that vessels continue to attempt to transit the Strait of Hormuz without any credible security guarantees, despite well‑established risks and the…

16 Apr

First Arctic security cutters to be home-ported in Alaska

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsIcebreakers, Security, U.S. Coast Guard

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Thursday that the first two Arctic security cutters (ASCs) will be home-ported in Alaska. Anticipating delivery of the first new cutters by the end of 2028, the Coast Guard has begun planning to ensure necessary infrastructure and support are in place to receive two icebreakers. “Home-porting these two Arctic security cutters in Alaska…

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…