Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers / Operators of CI flagged vessels, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives     

Action Date: Immediate

The purpose of subject newsletter is to inform all interested parties that the Cook Islands Administration requires all Cook Islands vessels navigating or operating in the EEZ of the Russian Federation and the Ukrainian Republic in the Black Sea and Azov Sea, to set their ISPS Ship Security Level to Level III:

• For the navigation in the Black Sea, commercial vessels are required to pay maximum attention and continue to check the Navtex updates. It is recommended that Masters obtain the relevant NAVAREA III warnings relating to mined areas and to contact the local port authorities and ships agents for additional information.
• Commercial vessels should not attempt to enter the Azov Sea; vessels currently in the Azov Sea should exit immediately.

Ships intending to call at a port/port facility in the areas specified above must ensure that security measures equivalent to Ship Security Level III are implemented as per the Ship Security Plan.

If cargo operations at Russian ports in the Black Sea are to be performed, a Declaration of Security (DOS) should first be carried out with the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO).

Ships currently located at Ukrainian ports must follow the instructions from Ukrainian Authorities. Security measures equivalent to Security Level III must be implemented while held at port. Crew should not attempt to disembark the ship unless instructed to do so by the Ukrainian authorities.

The Circular 262/2022 can be found here, in full detail.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information you may need on the above.

March 14th, 2022 - PHRS Head Office