MARAD ADVISORY 2009-06
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VIA NOTICE TO MARINERS
US SHIP OPERATOR EMAIL DISTRIBUTION
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GULF OF ADEN, RED SEA AND INDIAN OCEAN TRANSIT
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ALL OPERATORS OF U.S. FLAG, EFFECTIVE U.S. CONTROLLED VESSELS,
AND OTHER MARITIME INTERESTS
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1. THIS MARAD ADVISORY PROVIDES UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR TRANSITTING THE GULF OF ADEN, RED SEA, AND THE INDIAN OCEAN DUE TO RECENT PIRACY ATTACKS. THIS IS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO TRACK ALL U.S. FLAG VESSELS IN THE AREA.

2. COMMENCING IMMEDIATELY ALL U.S.-FLAG SHIPS REQUIRED BY REGULATION TO FILE AMVER POSITION REPORTS AND OPERATING IN THE GULF OF ADEN AND THE INDIAN OCEAN SHALL FILE AMVER REPORTS EVERY 24 HOURS IN LIEU OF EVERY 48 HOURS.

3. THE CHANGE IS DIRECTED BY THE MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH 46 CFR PART 307.11. THIS IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A WAR ZONE DECLARATION.

4. ALL U.S.-FLAG OPERATORS WITH SHIPS IN THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE REQUESTED TO FORWARD THIS ADVISORY TO THEIR SHIPS BY THE MOST EXPEDIENT MEANS.

5. THIS ADVISORY WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE MARAD WEB SITE AT WWW.MARAD.DOT UNDER THE HORN OF AFRICA PIRACY PORTAL. OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION INCLUDING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES MAY BE ACCESSED ON THE WEBSITE.

6. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ADVISORY, CONTACT MR. DOHERTY, MARITIME ADMINISTRATION, OFFICE OF SECURITY, CODE: MAR-420, ROOM W23-312, 1200 NEW JERSEY AVE, S.E., WASHINGTON, DC 20590, TELEPHONE 202-366-1883, FACSIMILE 202-366-3954, TLX II 710.822.9426 (MARAD DOT WSH), OR EMAIL: OWEN.DOHERTY@DOT.GOV