The Houthis in Yemen Update Their FAQs Page for Ship Attacks in the Red Sea
The Houthis in Yemen have recently updated their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page, providing detailed information on how ships can avoid the group’s attacks in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. This information can be accessed on a website maintained by the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC).
The HOCC serves as an organization that gives legitimacy to the Houthi group’s message and attacks on ships. The website is well-maintained and has a professional appearance, surpassing some government agency websites in the region.
While the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) offers industry-led advice to seafarers, they do not provide guidance on whether ship masters should engage with the HOCC or comply with its requirements when approaching the danger areas in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The decision is left to the discretion of the masters.
The HOCC FAQs encourage seafarers to communicate with them and offer various channels for doing so. Shipowners are requested to submit a Safe Transit Request 48 hours in advance, providing the ship’s name and passage details. This communication allows the Houthis to track ships entering the danger area and plan potential attacks.
However, Western operators are cautious about interacting with a U.S.-designated terrorist group and the potential consequences of such engagement. The FAQs mention vessels banned by the Houthis, claiming to have sent warnings to shipowners who violated their blockade of Israeli ports.
Shipowners can use the database search engine on the HOCC website to check if their vessel is on the banned list. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee of the accuracy of the information provided, and engaging with the HOCC may alert the group to potential targets.
For ships navigating through the danger area, the HOCC FAQs advise masters to keep their information updated, maintain the emergency VHF Channel 16 open, and stay within recognized shipping channels to avoid military vessels.
Maritime risk consultancy Vanguard Tech cautions against relying solely on the Houthi HOOC tool and FAQs for risk assessments, as they may contain incomplete or biased information. Utilizing these resources could expose companies to misleading data and potential risks.
Despite the updated FAQs and guidelines provided by the HOCC, ship operators are advised to conduct thorough risk assessments and consider alternative routes or naval protection when sailing through high-risk areas like the Red Sea.
Stay informed and stay safe on the seas.