Yachts transit the pirate zone - so far so good

by MARAD/Sail-World Cruising on 24 Mar 2009 While three yacht crews were kidnapped in the last couple of years (all being eventually released), no incidents involving yachts have been reported this year.

As the season(February to April) for the passage of yachts travelling north through the Red Sea is at its midpoint, two distinct methods of transiting the pirate zone in the Gulf of Aden have emerged.

Some yachts are opting to hug the Yemeni shore, within the range of the Coastguard there, hoping that the existence of the coastguard will deter Somali pirates from an approach. The issue with this method is that one has to be wary of the coastline, and navigation is therefore made more difficult.

The alternative is to take the IRTC, or the International Recommended Transit Corridor, with general shipping, and trust that the plethora of international naval ships present there will be able to provide security. This corridor has not been created for yachts, but past convoys of yachts have used the corridor, and the communication with MARAD, successfully.

Since February 01 this year there have been new coordinates for this corridor, and vessels are advised to follow a particular procedure, which is outlined below:

Yachtsmen contemplating making the passage, are recommended to contact the MARLO (Maritime Liaison Office) in Bahrain for further advice on Tel: +00-973-3940-1395 or by e-mailing marlo.bahrain@me.navy.mil For full information on transiting the Gulf of Aden pirate zone, click on http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/?nid=54468

Corridor in Gulf of Aden officially named International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) New coordinates in effect 0001Z 01 FEB 09

Coordinates of the IRTC corridor through the Gulf of Aden:
Full Details on the updated IRTC. http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/marlo/Guidance/Corridor.htm

THE IRTC EAST BOUND LANE BEGINS AT 045 EAST BETWEEN 11 48 NORTH AND 11 53 NORTH. THE LANE IS ORIENTED ALONG A STRAIGHT LINE COURSE OF 072 DEGREES AND TERMINATES AT 053 DEGREES EAST BETWEEN 14 18 NORTH AND 14 23 NORTH.

THE IRTC WEST BOUND LANE BEGINS AT 053 DEGREES EAST BETWEEN 14 25 NORTH AND 14 30 NORTH. THE LANE IS ORIENTED ALONG A STRAIGHT LINE COURSE OF 252 AND TERMINATES AT 045 DEGREES EAST BETWEEN 11 55 NORTH AND 12 00 NORTH.

COUNTER-PIRACY GUIDANCE SUMMARY

Prior to transit, all ships should register with the EU ATALANTA Task Force at http://www.mschoa.eu/ and view the group transit plan. Yachts should establish contact with UKMTO or MARLO for the latest guidance and forming convoys well in advance before reaching the Gulf. High risk vessels can requests escorts with UKMTO.
During transit, most commercial vessels should use the IRTC and all should send position reports every 4 hours to MARLO at marlo.bahrain@me.navy.mil and UKMTO at ukmto@eim.ae.
In the Gulf of Aden, it is recommended that Automatic Identification System (AIS) is turned on, but only transmit callsign and Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. AIS should be turned off when sailing off the east coast of Somalia.
In case of emergency, call UKMTO (primary) +971 50 552 3215 or MARLO (secondary) at +973 3940 1395 for coalition assistance. These numbers are manned 24 hrs/7 days a week.
In general, keep a vigilant watch when transiting high risk areas. If approached, increase speed and maneuver aggressively. DO NOT STOP!
Contact Information: UKMTO: ukmto@eim.ae, +971 50 552 3215
MARLO: marlo.bahrain@me.navy.mil, +973 3940 1395
MSCHOA: postmaster@mschoa.org, +44 (0) 1923 95854

Mission
The Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) mission is to facilitate the exchange of information between the United States Navy, Combined Maritime Forces, and the commercial maritime community in the United States Central Command's (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility. MARLO operates as a conduit for information focused on the safety and security of shipping and is committed to assisting all members of the commercial maritime community. There liaison officers travel regularly throughout the Gulf and East Africa to foster communication, stay apprised of changes in local port infrastructure and management, and to proactively address your concerns and questions. We remain, first and foremost, an active advocate for commercial mariners. We remain dedicated to providing accurate and timely information on safety of shipping and marine navigation.

Area of Responsibility
MARLO's support to the commercial maritime community currently spans 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa through the Arabian Gulf region, into Central Asia.

1. This MARAD advisory provides suggested waypoints for commercial vessels to transit the Gulf of Aden.

2. Marlo Bahrain sent a message on 25th August which stated that the Commander, U.S. Naval Central Command has directed the establishment of a Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) in the Gulf of Aden.

3. FURTHERMORE, A force of Coalition Navy warships will patrol the AREA, and aircraft will fly in the airspace above. Commodore Bob Davidson (Canadian Navy), commander Combined Task Force 150, will command naval forces in the patrol area. The MSPA is being established in support of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) ongoing efforts. Coalition actions will give the IMO time to work international preventative efforts that will ultimately lead to a long-term solution. Coalition ships are in the area as part of our continual presence in this region. While they have conducted routine operations in the area in the past, the establishment of the MSPA will focus the efforts to counter destabilizing activities in the region and improve security while long-term initiatives mature.

4. Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain
Core Working Hours: Sunday - Thursday 0800-1700
Daytime Tel: +973-17-85-3925 Fax: +973-17-85-3930 E-mail: marlo.bahrain@me.navy.mil
Address: Maritime Liaison Office, Box 116, Manama, Bahrain