Red Sea / Gulf of Aden – Summary Briefing paper Publications Steamship Mutual Published: July 16, 2024 Contact author Download article pdf Following the onset of the Red Sea threats by Houthi rebels, the Club has been closely monitoring events and has issued several articles and circulars [ Steamship Mutual - Red Sea - Gulf of Aden: Security Updates ].   A number of flag states and industry bodies have issued guidance for vessels operating and transiting the Red Sea - Gulf of Aden area, with the key points being summarised in this briefing paper.  Ship security level The major flag states recommend vessels set ISPS Security Level 3 when transiting the southern Red Sea, Bab El-Mandeb Strait, and the western area of the Gulf of Aden. CSO / SSOs should monitor the guidance from their flag state, and review the Ship Security Plan where appropriate, having due consideration for any revised threat assessments and tactics that are being employed at the time. Threat assessment The Houthi rebels continue to adopt new tactics involving the deployment of increasingly more sophisticated missiles and the utilisation of unmanned vehicles from both sea and air. CSO / SSOs should consider these new risks when reviewing and updating their Ship Security Plans, and the implementation of appropriate protective measures on board. Alternative Routes Several flag states have advised the avoidance of the region and the use of alternative routing until such time as the situational threat level reduces, although vessel owners and operators may, through pre-existing obligations, consider themselves to be contractually constrained in their choice of route. Should it be necessary to navigate the Red Sea route vessels should exercise extreme caution implementing and following the latest flag and industry guidance. Vessel course, speed and distance from the Yemeni Coast should be optimised to promote the safety of the vessel and crew. AIS & Communications AIS policy should be review