Iran Draws New Maritime ‘Oversight Zone’ Across Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has formally delineated a maritime oversight zone across the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a significant shift in regional navigation protocols. This self-declared mandate impacts major transit corridors used by tankers and bulk carriers, including vessels operated by companies like Bahri and NITC. As merchant ships navigate toward key ports such as Bandar Abbas or Jebel Ali, this geographic definition increases the risk of unauthorized boardings, requiring heightened vigilance from bridge teams during transit.

From a regulatory perspective, these unilateral claims challenge the freedom of navigation principles enshrined in UNCLOS and the IMO’s Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V regarding navigation safety. Compliance departments must monitor how these zones interact with existing Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code requirements. Failure to adhere to local directives within these contested waters could lead to detention, complicating insurance coverage and potentially triggering non-compliance reports under the ISM Code.

Masters and navigating officers must exercise extreme caution when transiting the Strait of Hormuz under these new PGSA guidelines. It is critical to maintain rigorous AIS monitoring and ensure that all security protocols under the Ship Security Plan are fully activated. Navigating officers should verify the latest Admiralty Notices to Mariners and consult with company security officers before entering the defined zone to ensure that all operational responses remain consistent with international maritime law and safety standards.