Why in News?
A tanker was recently boarded by six armed people, who took control of the vessel and diverted it towards Somalia. The incident was reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
About UKMTO
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) is a British Royal Navy-sponsored organisation established in 2001. It was initially established with an office in Dubai to handle distress calls during maritime security threats.
In 2014, the organisation was moved to Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
UKMTO serves as the primary point of contact between commercial vessels and military forces operating in the region.
Organisation and Operations
Despite its large geographical area of responsibility, UKMTO is a relatively lean organisation. It has a team of 15 civilian watchkeepers and three managers.
The watchkeepers work in shifts and receive calls from ship masters irrespective of their nationality. They coordinate rescue responses and issue warnings and advisories to the maritime community.
Area of Operation
The UKMTO operates in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region through an information framework agreement.
It operates a Voluntary Reporting Scheme (VRS) within the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA), which is outlined in a maritime security chart.
The VRA covers almost 2.5 million square miles of ocean and includes the:
Red Sea, Arabian Sea, northwestern Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf.
Voluntary Reporting Scheme
Ship masters are requested to submit multiple reports while operating within the VRA.
An initial report is submitted when a vessel enters the VRA. A daily report is submitted while the vessel is transiting the area, and a final report is submitted after the vessel exits the VRA or reaches a port.
UKMTO maintains three 24/7 telephone lines and an email facility through which emergencies and maritime security incidents can be reported.
Communication Issued by UKMTO
UKMTO issues several categories of communication to the maritime community. These include Warnings, Advisories, Reports, and Records of Maritime Information Exchange Meetings.
It hosts warnings on its website and also publishes notices issued by partner organisations.
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