The Shipping Deputy Ministry has reiterated its recommendation to the owners and operators of Cyprus-flagged vessels to avoid any callings and transactions at foreign ports and/or countries where political instability and/ or armed and/or civil conflicts are taking place or are evidently imminent.
According to a circular signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Theodoulos Mesimeris on 28 February, the Deputy Ministry, recommends that owners, operators, managers and masters of Cyprus flagged operating in or transiting through said area maintain increased vigilance and close communication with Port and Flag State authorities and local shipping agents, in accordance with the requirements of the ISPS Code and increase, as necessary, the rigorousness of implementing the security measures aboard in order to protect the vessel and its crew.
It is added that due to the ongoing military escalation, it is recommended that Cyprus flagged vessels operating in the affected area implement security measures equivalent to ISPS Security Level 3, in accordance with their approved Ship Security Plans carefully assess the security-related situation at each port call or when remaining or navigating through territorial waters, on a case-by-case basis and, as necessary, to implement appropriate security measures aboard in order to protect the vessel and its crew.
They are also advised to reassess Strait of Hormuz and other affected area transit and consider remaining at a safe port/anchorage in neighbouring countries outside the affected area until conditions stabilize, and maintain continuous monitoring of navigational warnings (NAVTEX) in the area and immediately report any security related incident to the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
(Source: CNA)
