IMMARBE issued Circular with Guidance for Belize-Registered Vessels operating in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov

The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) advises all Belize flagged vessels and commercial operators of these vessels to avoid transit of the exclusive economic zones of Ukraine and Russia within the Black Sea. Commercial vessels should not attempt to enter the Sea of Azov since access will be denied by Russian military forces.

For vessels presently at port or operating in the conflict zone the following guidance is provided:

Inform our Administration of all plans for the safe departure of the vessel.
Comply fully with the Ukrainian / Russian Maritime Safety directives.
Review the Ship Security Plan and upgrade the ship security level to Level III;
Establish communication with the company security officer (CSO) and provide an updated risk assessment and voyage plan.
Ensure that both the LRIT and AIS systems are transmitting with the exception being cases where the master believes that transmitting might compromise the security of the ship; and
Alert the management company and the flag Administration if any GPS blocking/interference is encountered