No: MMN-05/2026
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UKMTO
watchkeepers@ukmto.org
Emergency numbers: +44 (0) 239 222 2060 / +971 50 552 2315

United States Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT)
Naval Co-operation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS)
(cusnc.ncags_bw@me.navy.mil)
+973 3904 9583 / +973 1785 1023 / 1024 / 2983 / 0084

USNAVCENT Maritime Operations Center (NAVCENT MOC)
+973 1785 3879 / +973 1785 4577 (fleet watch)

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1. The purpose of this Marine Notice is to inform all Panamanian-flagged vessels operating
   near Iran, Israel, the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz of the security
   risk due to the recent increase of tensions within the Middle East, which could have a
   direct impact on vessels and crew.

2. On February 28th, 2026 the United States and Israel have launched from air, land and
   sea an attack on Iran. In response, Iran has launched attacks throughout the Middle
   East. The International news reported Iranian attacks in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait –
   places with US military bases, or that are allied to the US.

3. This Marine Notice is addressed to all Panamanian seafarers on board the M/V Cypres,
   IMO 9907445 and M/V Captain Michael, IMO 9531480, currently navigating in the
   Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

4. The Panama Maritime Administration strongly recommends all Panamanian-flagged
   vessels to take all security measures and avoid transiting through the above areas.

5. All Panamanian vessels in Iranian waters and/or Iranian ports must comply with the
   specific precautionary measures imposed by the Government of Iran.

6. The Panama Maritime Administration recommend that captains/operators/ship security
   officer/Company Security Officer maintain close communication with local shipping
   agents for the latest information and updates and follow the specific navigation routes
   provided by the authorities on site.

7. Due to the above, commercial traffic has been threatened in those areas of the Middle
   East, for which the Panama Maritime Administration strongly encourages to follow the
   recommendations listed below:
   • Elevate security levels following their Ship Security Plans and undertake a new
     ship- and voyage-specific threat risk assessment before entering any of the
     above-mentioned regions.
   • Review section 2 of BMP5, which outlines non-piracy threats and the Global
     Counter-Piracy Guidance.
   • Maintain a full and vigilant bridge watches. Note: at night, slow small boats with
     no wake are difficult to spot on radar.
   • Maintain a strict communication watch and establish communication with all
     vessels coming close. Do not allow small boats to approach or to come alongside.
     Use a searchlight for identification at night.
   • Ensure strict boarding controls in place.
   • Only lower accommodation gangways or ladders when necessary.
   • Rig outboard lighting where possible provided when they do not interfere with
     keeping a safe lookout, particularly over the stern and rig/use searchlights if
     available.
   • Report any incidents or suspicious activity immediately to both the port and
     UKMTO +442392222060, in accordance with Best Management Practices
     (BMP).
   • Monitor relevant VHF and other communication channels.
   • Check all fire-fighting equipment available for immediate use. Make sure the
     emergency fire pump is available if any maintenance is undertaken.

8. All Panamanian-flagged vessels in the waters of Iran, Israel, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf
   of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz must increase caution, maintain maximum vigilance,
   and raise the level of security in accordance with the Ship Security Plan and take
   extreme security measures for the vessel and its crew.

9. For safety, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and the Long-Range Identification
   and Tracking system (LRIT) must be always turned on, except in those cases where the
   captain considers that the security of the vessel could be compromised or when a security
   incident is imminent. In accordance with the provisions of the International Convention
   for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), in the same way, VHF Channel 16 must be
   monitored, and communication must be always maintained with local authorities and
   with the Panama Maritime Administration.

10. It is reaffirmed to avoid any transit or operation near Iran, Israel, the Persian Gulf, Gulf
    of Oman and Strait of Hormuz.

11. This Maritime Administration is committed to the well-being of our seafarers, and we
    encourage you to reach out to the aforementioned contacts without hesitation.

12. Any inquiries or incident reports should be directed to the Fleet Control and Monitoring
    Section from Maritime Ships Security Department at E-mail: compliance@amp.gob.pa
    or phone: (507) 501-5016 and to Labor Maritime Department at Email:
    mimoreno@amp.gob.pa, labormar@amp.gob.pa.

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Inquiries concerning the subject of this Merchant Marine Notice or any other request should
be forward to:

• VESSEL TRANSIT NEAR IRANIAN TERRITORIAL WATERS PDF-Download