Humanitarian Maritime Corridor in the Black Sea: The Procedure

 The Turkish Coast Guard has issued a notice describing the procedure for the humanitarian maritime corridor in the Black Sea. This corridor has been established to allow the safe passage of merchant ships carrying Ukrainian grain amidst the ongoing conflict.

Rules of Passage:

• Warships and drones: They are not allowed to approach within 10 miles of any ship transiting the corridor or waiting in the designated waiting areas.
• Coordinates: Ships must follow specific routes with defined coordinates.
• Maneuvering capability: Ships must be aware of having limited maneuvering capability while transiting the corridor.
• Signals and lights: Ships must display the appropriate signals and lights.
• Transit hours: Transit is only permitted between 05:00 and 21:00 local time.

Waiting Areas:

• 200-meter channel: Ships waiting to enter the corridor must do so in a 200-meter wide channel. Specific coordinates are provided for the waiting areas of Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi.
• Southern Waiting Area (GBS): Ships joining the operation can use the GBS as a temporary waiting area.

Traffic Control:

• Istanbul Traffic Control Station: Provides information and directs ships to the appropriate control zone.
• Passage point coordinates: Ships transiting between IDK and Turkish control zones must pass through a specific point.

Other Rules:

• No port visits or prolonged waiting: Except in cases of emergency, ships cannot make port visits or prolong their stay while transiting.
• Ship-to-ship transfers not allowed: Transfers of goods from ship to ship are not permitted.
• AIS active: Ships participating in the operation must have their Automatic Identification System (AIS) always active.
• Additional procedures: Ships that wish to participate in the operation must follow the additional procedures outlined in IMO Circular 4611 (series).

Exercises and Notices:

• Firing exercises: The notice includes the coordinates of an area where firing exercises will be conducted from February 24 to March 3, 2024.
• Non-ATIS flight exercises: The notice also includes the coordinates of an area where non-ATIS flight exercises will be held on February 23, 2024.

The procedure for the humanitarian maritime corridor in the Black Sea is complex and requires the utmost attention from all ships involved. Adhering to these rules is essential to ensure the safety of everyone.

• The original Turkish text has been translated into English.

• Some parts of the original text have been omitted for brevity.

• It is recommended to consult the original text for complete and accurate information.