The Ministry of Transport warns that ship protection against UAVs must not compromise navigation and safety in the Black Sea.
The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has warned that protective measures established on ships against unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks and security threats targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea should not jeopardize navigation and safety of life.
In a letter sent by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs to the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, it was stated that due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea have recently faced UAV-related attacks and threats.
Networks, wires, and cage systems are being installed on ships.
The letter indicated that various physical security measures have been identified on some commercial vessels that will transit through the Turkish Straits to the Black Sea, aimed at protecting against potential UAV attacks.
In this context, it was expressed that protective nets, wires, barriers, cages, and similar temporary arrangements have been placed around the living quarters, bridge, open decks, and other sections of the ships.
It was emphasized that these applications are carried out to enhance the safety of the ship and crew; however, it was also noted that these systems could, in some cases, hinder the use of the ships' safety equipment.
Life-saving and firefighting systems must not be obstructed.
The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs drew attention to the fact that the protective systems established against UAV attacks should not obstruct the use of life-saving equipment and firefighting systems that are mandatory on ships under international maritime conventions.
Additionally, it was stated that the use of evacuation and escape routes, emergency communication systems, and other equipment critical for safety should not be restricted or delayed.
It was expressed that making access to these areas more difficult due to protective arrangements could create new risks in terms of navigation and safety of life.
Ship captains and agents will be warned.
The Ministry requested that necessary warnings be made to commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea that use temporary arrangements such as protective nets, barriers, wires, rope systems, or cages against UAV attacks and other external security threats.
In this framework, it was requested that ship captains and relevant personnel be informed through agents and pilot captains.
It was emphasized that the protective systems established on ships should not obstruct access to life-saving equipment, firefighting equipment, evacuation routes, and emergency communication systems.
Previous warnings regarding security threats in the Black Sea were recalled.
In the letter from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, it was reminded that security instructions directed at Turkish-flagged ships and Turkish seafarers operating in maritime areas with a risk of conflict had previously been communicated to the sector.
Among the measures reported in a letter dated July 31, 2026, were information on reporting security incidents to the relevant authorities and establishing communication with the Main Search and Rescue Coordination Center (AAKKM).
It was noted that these warnings were announced to the maritime sector by the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping through circular number 600 dated August 3, 2026.
With the latest warning from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, it was once again emphasized that the physical protection measures taken on ships against increasing security threats in the Black Sea must be in compliance with existing maritime safety regulations.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
