Tankers carrying Iraqi oil cross Strait of Hormuz with tracking systems turned off

During the first ten days of May, three tankers transporting Iraqi crude oil transited the Strait of Hormuz with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders deactivated. Reports from AzerNEWS and Reuters confirm that two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), the Agios Fanourios I and the Kiara, utilized this 'dark' transit method to mitigate risks of potential Iranian interference. This tactical maneuver highlights the ongoing security challenges facing merchant vessels navigating one of the world's most critical maritime energy chokepoints.

Operating with disabled tracking systems presents significant challenges regarding compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Specifically, Chapter V, Regulation 19 mandates that all ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages must carry an AIS to improve the safety of navigation and facilitate vessel traffic services. While masters may occasionally deactivate systems for security reasons, such actions must be documented in the ship's logbook to satisfy classification society audits and flag state requirements, ensuring that operational transparency is maintained despite heightened regional geopolitical tensions.

For masters and navigating officers, these security-driven transit protocols require heightened situational awareness and rigorous bridge resource management. Navigating officers must ensure that manual radar watchkeeping is intensified to compensate for the loss of electronic target data. It is essential for these ranks to strictly adhere to company-specific security directives and flag state guidance regarding AIS usage, ensuring that all deviations from standard reporting procedures are meticulously recorded to protect the vessel and crew during subsequent port state control inspections.