The Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration (VMIWA) has issued an official dispatch, requesting Vietnamese shipowners, crew manning agencies, and shipping enterprises to closely monitor the military conflict in the Middle East to proactively prevent and respond to emerging risks.
Under the directive, businesses are required to stay updated on safety warnings and information from international maritime authorities, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and other official sources. Companies must actively assess risks and adjust operational plans, including utilizing alternative shipping routes when necessary, to ensure the absolute safety of vessels and their crews.
Shipowners and maritime transport companies have been instructed to implement the highest level of security measures in accordance with their established Ship Security Plans. This includes maintaining seamless communication, reporting vessel positions punctually, and ensuring that Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) are functioning accurately to avoid the risk of misidentification by regional military forces.
Enterprises must also conduct a comprehensive review of all vessels and crew members currently operating in conflict-affected zones. The VMIWA emphasized the importance of maintaining contact with Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the Gulf region and the VMIWA’s own hotlines for immediate guidance and support.
Beyond security concerns, the VMIWA advised businesses to evaluate the economic impact of the conflict, specifically regarding fluctuations in oil prices, freight rates, and shipping surcharges. Agencies are encouraged to develop contingency and adaptation scenarios to mitigate international trade risks and ensure that supply chains remain uninterrupted.
For vessels currently stationed or operating within the Middle East, shipowners are required to enhance watchkeeping, maintain a high state of alertness, and prepare emergency response plans for immediate deployment. Furthermore, they are instructed to avoid areas with active military operations or proactively divert to the territorial waters of neutral countries when necessary.
Specifically, when transiting the Strait of Hormuz, vessels are advised to apply maximum security measures and limit crew activities on open decks. Companies must also take steps to stabilize crew morale and coordinate with relevant authorities to facilitate safe repatriation should the need arise.
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