This advisory supersedes and cancels U.S. Maritime Advisory 2024-003

1. References:

a) U.S. Maritime Advisory 2024-005
b) NATO Shipping Centre - RISK OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE IN THE NORTH WESTERN, WESTERN, AND SOUTHWEST 
BLACK SEA
(https://shipping.nato.int/nsc/operations/news/-2022/risk-of-collateral-damage-in-the- 
north-western-black-sea-2)
c) NAVAREA III Warnings in Force: 
https://armada.defensa.gob.es/ihm/Aplicaciones/Navareas/Index_Navareas_xml_en.html

2. Issue: Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in late February 2022, commercial 
vessels have reportedly been struck by projectiles and experienced explosions in the Black Sea and 
Sea of Azov. There have also been reports of moored and drifting naval mines. While some past 
actions may have targeted specific commercial vessels due to their association with certain 
countries or their activity, the potential remains for miscalculation or misidentification, 
resulting in a high risk of damage to commercial vessels in the region.

3. Guidance: U.S.-flagged commercial vessels operating in these areas are advised to exercise 
caution; conduct a risk assessment; review security measures; review current NATO Shipping Centre, 
NAVAREA III and other coastal broadcast warnings; and incorporate appropriate protective measures 
into their vessel security plans.

In the event of any incident or suspicious activity, U.S.-flagged commercial vessels should 
immediately notify the NATO Shipping Centre, the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center, the 
U.S. Sixth Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) detachment and activate the 
Ship Security Alert System. U.S.-flagged commercial vessels are also encouraged to participate in 
the NATO Shipping Centre’s Mediterranean Voluntary Reporting Scheme.
Reporting entails contacting the NATO Shipping Centre when entering or departing the Mediterranean 
Sea and/or departing a port in the Mediterranean Sea. The preferred reporting method is online 
using the “Mediterranean Reporting Scheme – Format A” link at https://shipping.nato.int/nsc. 
Alternatively, the forms can be downloaded, filled in, and submitted by email to the NATO Shipping 
Centre.

In accordance with 33 CFR 101.305, all suspicious activities, breaches of security, and 
transportation security incident events must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response 
Center.

U.S. mariners in this area are advised to consult Department of State Travel Advisories
at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/. All 
American citizens abroad should inform the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of their plans to transit the
area and/or update their information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at: 
https://step.state.gov/step/.

4. Contact Information:

a) NATO Shipping Centre (NSC): info@shipping.nato.int or +44 (0) 1923-956-574. NSC Advisories and 
warnings can be found at https://shipping.nato.int/nsc.

b) U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center: +1-703-313-5900 or
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/contact/gps-problem-report

c) U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center: +1-800-424-8802 or hqs-smb-nrc@uscg.mil.

d) U.S. Sixth Fleet Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS): +39 081 568 5521 or 
M-NA-CNE-CNA-C6F-NCAGS@us.navy.mil

e) For maritime industry questions about this advisory, contact GMCC@uscg.mil. Supplemental 
information may also be found on the MARAD Office of Maritime Security website
at: https://www.maritime.dot.gov/maritime-security.

5. Cancellation of Prior Advisories: This Advisory cancels U.S. Maritime Advisory 2024-003. This 
message will automatically expire on February 21, 2025.

For more information about U.S. Maritime Alerts and Advisories, including subscription details,
please visit https://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci.