THE Combined Task Force 150, the anti-pirate multinational naval force, is seeking the cooperation of merchant shipping for a July 2-6 security operation in Bab el Mandeb Strait.
THE Combined Task Force 150, the anti-pirate multinational naval force, is seeking the cooperation of merchant shipping for a July 2-6 security operation in Bab el Mandeb Strait, the narrows separating Djibouti in Africa and Aden in Arabia.
The aim of the operation is to be ready to react at any time to a sudden maritime threat, said the US Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain in notice 21 of June.
This operation will include a merchant vessels security phase to train in case of emerging threat to merchant traffic in the area, reported GAC Hot Port News.
To strengthen reaction plans, CTF150 is seeking merchant ship volunteers to participate that will involve them receiving recommendations and security information from the naval forces in the area, answering hailings at the entrance and exit of the area, and at the master’s discretion, and speed permitting, follow recommendations for Bab El Mandeb strait transit.
Volunteers are asked to communicate to MARLO/UKMTO their expected date of their way through.
In the case of an imminent threat, merchant vessels are recommended to take avoiding action within their capabilities while CTF 150 forces respond.
Merchant vessels sighting suspicious activity should report the following information: Name of reporting vessel, their vessel’s position, course, speed and direction and the nature of the suspicious, including its course and speed.
On receipt of a threat report, the nearest warship is to acknowledge and close to investigate and interdict suspects, keeping naval force informed. A helicopter is to close and investigate and report any situation.
Combined Task Force 150, usually 14 or 15 ships, is based in the US naval base in Bahrain and is established to monitor, inspect, board, and stop suspect shipping to pursue the War on Terrorism and in the Horn of Africa in the North Arabia Sea to support operations in the Indian Ocean.
Countries contributing are Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Via: http://www.seanews.com.tr/
