Due to recent military activity in the Caribbean Sea, all Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Venezuelan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and ports in Venezuela should implement measures equivalent to security level 2 in their Ship Security Plan.

Recommendations: Given the ongoing volatile security situation in this region, it is strongly advised that shipowners, operators and masters trading in these waters should assess the risk associated with port calls taking into account nationality of owners and seafarers; and cargo on board.

It is recommended that shipowners, masters and operators continue to follow mitigation measures outlined in reference (a), watch teams and security personnel maintaining a persistent watch while transiting near the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Continuous and careful monitoring of the evolving situation is strongly recommended. Shipowners, operators and masters should obtain the most current information from the relevant government organizations of the countries where seafarers are ordinarily resident, local port agents, local port authorities, and P&I correspondents.

The shipping industry will continue to monitor and advise on maritime security threats to assist the safe transit of vessels and seafarers.

US Navy C4F NCAGS (Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping) acts as the primary contact for merchant vessels and liaison with military forces in the region. Vessels are encouraged to contact USN NCAGS if any assistance is requested and make proper incident or suspicious activity reports.

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