New instructions regarding weapons and armed security guards onboard commercial vessels
 

Background
During August 2011, the Egyptian Authorities announced that commercial vessels in Egyptian territorial waters were not allowed to carry any weapons or armed security guards onboard as this was stated to be contrary to international maritime law. Consequences in case weapons were found onboard vessels when staying in Egyptian territorial waters whether that be along quays in ports, while anchoring in the inner or outer waiting areas or while transiting the Suez Canal, were reported to be serious. The master of the vessel and her crew members would be liable to legal penalties in accordance with Egyptian Law such as arrest of the vessel and her master, and any person onboard carrying weapons without permission.
As a consequence to this announcement many vessels decided to change their routs and not go through Suez Canal which of course impacted the Canal revenue.

New instructions
Reportedly, the Egyptian Authorities have now withdrawn the previously announced prohibition notice and instead all
vessels carrying weapons and armed security guards onboard when entering Egyptian territorial waters are now
required to present a letter certified by the vessel’s flag state detailing:
• name of ship and the shipowners;
• list of weapons and ammunitions carried onboard;
• number of armed guards onboard; and
• the identity of the employers of the armed guards onboard.
According to the authorities, the letter should also include a confirmation that the weapons and ammunition carried
onboard will not be used during the vessel’s presence in the Egyptian territorial waters.

Recommendations and advice
Prior to entering Egyptian territorial waters, Members and Clients should ensure that the vessel carries the certified letter in accordance with the new instructions announced by the Egyptian Authorities.
There are currently no indications as to how Egyptian Authorities plan to implement and follow-up the new requirements for vessels transiting the Suez Canal and the consequences were weapons to be found onboard vessels not in possession of the required letter. Hence, Members and Clients should contact their local agents for the latest information on the requirements of the Authorities and make the necessary arrangements accordingly.