In light of the significant military escalation between the US/Israel and Iran that began yesterday, February 28, 2026, flag states and maritime security organizations have issued urgent advisories for all commercial shipping in the Middle East.

The situation is extremely fluid. Below is a summary of the current advisories as of March 1, 2026.

1. The US “Maritime Warning Zone”

The US Navy Central Command (NAVCENT) has declared a massive Maritime Warning Zone covering:

• The Persian (Arabian) Gulf
• The Strait of Hormuz
• The Gulf of Oman
• The North Arabian Sea

Key Guidance:

• Safety Guarantee: The US Navy has explicitly stated it cannot guarantee the safety of neutral or merchant vessels within this zone.
• Avoidance: Vessels are urged to avoid navigating within this area entirely if operationally feasible.
• Standoff Distance: Merchant ships must maintain at least a 30-nautical-mile distance from all naval vessels to avoid misidentification or being caught in defensive measures.
• Communication: Maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and be prepared for immediate coalition hails.

2. Specific Flag State Advisories

Several major flag states have distributed urgent circulars to their fleets:

Greece: Issued an urgent advisory for all Greek-flagged vessels to exercise maximum vigilance and avoid key shipping lanes in the Gulf.

India (DGS): Released Circulars 08/2026 and 09/2026 advising utmost caution. All shipping companies are currently advised not to deploy Indian seafarers to Iran until further notice.

United States (MARAD): Recommends all US-flagged, owned, or crewed vessels keep clear of the Strait of Hormuz. Recommends implementing boarding/seizure mitigation measures from Advisory 2026-001.

European Union (Aspides): On high alert; warned that attacks against all shipping—regardless of affiliation—cannot be ruled out.

Panama Maritime Authority (AMP): As the world’s largest registry, Panama has updated its security protocols to reflect the “War Risk” status of the region.

• Sanctions Warning: Re-issued a strict warning (referencing Marine Security Advisory 03/2025/Rev.3) that any vessel found engaging in sanctioned trade with Iranian entities will face immediate cancellation of registration.
• Security Level Upgrade: Vessels are advised to operate at ISPS Security Level 3 (the highest level) while transiting the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.
• AIS/LRIT Protocol: AMP has warned that while AIS should generally remain on, Masters may switch it off if they believe it poses an immediate threat to the vessel’s safety (in accordance with SOLAS). However, the registry has increased monitoring for “shadow fleet” activity and illicit transshipments.

Liberia (LISCR): Marine Security Advisory 03/2025/Rev.3 (Updated Feb 28, 2026):

• Recommended Action: Liberian-flagged vessels should maintain a minimum distance of 50 nautical miles from the Iranian coast where possible and utilize the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC).
• Guidance: Formally recognized the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz as a high-risk area for illegal boarding and seizure.
• Navigational Warning: Confirmed reports of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) VHF transmissions stating that “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz.”

IRGC (Iran): Issued radio warnings on VHF Channel 16: “Passage through the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all commercial traffic.”

3. Immediate Threats & Operational Risks

Industry bodies like BIMCO, Intertanko, and security firms have highlighted specific tactical threats:

• GPS Jamming & Spoofing: Large-scale electronic interference is expected across the region, making satellite navigation unreliable.
• Asymmetric Responses: High risk of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast-craft activity, drone strikes, or attempts to seize vessels linked to Western interests.
• Houthi Retaliation: There is a specific expectation that Houthi forces in Yemen may recommence attacks on shipping in response to the strikes on Iran.
• Insurance & Traffic: Shipping insurance rates are expected to “increase manyfold” immediately. Live traffic data shows a massive one-way flow of vessels exiting the Gulf, with almost no new entries into the Strait of Hormuz.

4. Recommended Actions for Masters

If you are operating in or near the conflict area:

1. Seek Refuge: Vessels already inside the Gulf are advised to seek refuge in neutral territorial waters (e.g., UAE or Qatar) or leave the area if possible.
2. Report Activity: Immediately report any suspicious sightings or electronic interference to UKMTO or MSCHOA.
3. Harden Security: Review and implement Best Management Practices (BMP5) and specific anti-seizure protocols.