The Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration (VIMAWA) has ordered heightened safety precautions for vessels and seafarers operating in the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions and growing threats to maritime security.
In a directive issued on March 3, VIMAWA Director Le Do Muoi instructed shipowners, crewing firms and shipping companies to conduct thorough risk assessments and adjust operations as needed, including preparing alternative shipping routes. They are also required to activate the highest level of security measures in accordance with their approved ship security plans to ensure maximum protection for ships and crews.
The administration noted that the situation in the Middle East remains complex and shows signs of further escalation, posing serious risks to maritime safety and security in the region. In response, maritime businesses are urged to closely monitor developments, regularly update safety advisories and follow information issued by maritime authorities of relevant countries, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and other official sources.
Vietnamese shipowners, crewing agencies and shipping enterprises are requested to take preventive measures and prepare contingency plans to promptly respond to emerging risks, ensuring the absolute safety of Vietnamese-flagged vessels operating on international routes as well as Vietnamese seafarers working aboard foreign ships transiting the region. The goal is to minimise disruptions to maritime transport and limit the impact of the conflict on international shipping operations.
In parallel, enterprises are advised to anticipate potential sharp increases in global oil prices, freight rates, surcharges and other transportation costs. They are encouraged to develop adaptive business strategies to mitigate risks in international trade and logistics, safeguard supply chains and maintain uninterrupted shipping activities.
The directive also stresses the importance of maintaining uninterrupted communications and complying with location reporting requirements. Vietnamese shipowners, crewing agencies and shipping enterprises must ensure timely location reporting, and keep the Automatic Identification System system functioning accurately, while being prepared to switch it off or adjust it in line with instructions from maritime authorities to avoid the risk of misidentification. They are also advised to closely follow notices to mariners issued by the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).
In addition, they are also required to review and update information on vessels and crew members operating in affected areas and maintain close coordination with Vietnamese embassies in Gulf countries and with the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration for timely guidance and emergency assistance.
Industry associations are encouraged to monitor developments closely, maintain regular exchanges with relevant state management agencies and provide updated information to their members. They are also urged to formulate response scenarios to mitigate adverse impacts on production, business operations, supply chains and maritime transport, as well as prepare for similar incidents in the future.
Port authorities under the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration have been tasked with advising relevant enterprises, organisations and individuals on the implementation of safety measures for ships and crews operating in areas affected by the ongoing conflict.
