According to a recent document released by the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), the Houthi armed group has updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, detailing how vessels can navigate safely in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and avoid potential attacks.

While the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization remains a primary resource for providing maritime safety guidance, no specific recommendations have been made regarding whether captains should cooperate with or follow the procedures of the Maritime Coordination Center, leaving captains to make decisions on their own.

The updated FAQ encourages sailors to communicate through multiple channels and requests shipowners to submit a safety passage request at least 48 hours before entering a designated area. This process allows the Houthi armed group to closely monitor incoming vessels, potentially taking targeted actions based on gathered intelligence.

Dealing with entities designated as terrorist organizations by U.S. authorities naturally raises caution among Western shipping companies. The FAQ mentions that 64 shipowners are reportedly issued "pre-penalty notices" for violating restrictions imposed by the Houthi armed group on Israeli ports, although the full list of these shipowners has not been disclosed, with only the names of 15 U.S. defense companies currently available.

The HOCC website offers a search tool for shipowners to check if their vessels are on the prohibited vessels list, but it cannot guarantee the accuracy of notifications sent or the reliability of the database results.

Engaging with the Houthi Armed Committee may pose risks beyond direct sanctions, potentially inadvertently exposing potential targets without any guarantee of safety conditions.

For vessels navigating in these hazardous waters, captains are advised to stay updated on the latest information from the Maritime Coordination Center's FAQ, maintain open emergency communication channels like the Very High Frequency channel 16, and strictly adhere to established navigational routes, steering clear of military facilities.

According to the latest report from the Intelligence Department of Lloyd's List, there have been only 944 vessel transits through the Red Sea, reflecting a continued low traffic flow in the area in recent months. Given these risks, some operators may opt for alternative routes or seek naval escort where feasible.