The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) in its Marine Safety Advisory MSA No. 01-2023 informs ship owners/ISM managers operating in the Black Sea Region that the “Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian ports” agreement has been revoked by the Government of the Russian Federation as per the IMO Circular Letter No. 4747.

IMMARBE recommends ship operators to warn their ships’ crews that there is no guarantee for the safety of navigation of vessels transiting the Ukrainian and Russian waters including the humanitarian maritime corridor and to instruct their ships to exercise extreme caution when entering these areas. The administration strongly advises its vessels to keep a safe, clear distance and stay as far as practicable from these mentioned areas and if there is no intention to call to ports in these regions then an alternative route would be highly recommended.

The administration would like to refer to IMMARBE Circular Letter No. ICL-22-001 issued on 28 February 2022, reiterating for all Belize flagged vessels and commercial operators to avoid transiting of the exclusive economic zones of Ukraine and Russia within the Black Sea. Continue to adhere to the rules outlined in Section 3 of the circular for Belize flagged vessels that are operating in the conflict zone.

Finally, please ensure that the LRIT and AIS are always operational as per MMN-19-005r1 and to ensure the Self-Inspection Program as per MMN-19-006r3, Self-Inspection Checklist as per Form TDL-018r4 Annex 1 are submitted and all Seafarers' Contracts or SEAs onboard as per MMN-20-005 are valid prior to entry near these areas. The administration highly recommends its ships to be in their best condition so if intercepted by any Port Authority within this area, there are no valid reasons that would deem these vessels for detailed inspections or further detention that may endanger the safety of your ship by being detained in the area of conflict.

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