Strait of Hormuz is designated as a warlike operations area

March 9 ------ The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) have designated the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf as a Warlike Operations Area (WOA) following a review on 5 March by the IBF Warlike Operations Area Committee (WOAC).

The designation upgrades the High Risk Area status applied to the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf on 2 March, reflecting the continuing and heightened threat to seafarers and vessels operating in the region. Hundreds of vessels are currently stranded in the Gulf following the halt of vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the scale of disruption and risk facing civilian crews.

The conflict in Iran has escalated into a major crisis after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel at the end of February 2026. According to the Secretary General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, around 20,000 seafarers aboard cargo vessels are now affected by the deteriorating security situation. In addition, an estimated 15,000 passengers and crew on passenger ships are facing significant disruption.

The WOA designation ensures that seafarers on IBF-covered vessels receive enhanced protections and compensation if they are stranded or operating in the area. Seafarers already within the designated area are entitled to additional compensation and may request repatriation, acknowledging the current significant operational difficulties. Those instructed to enter the area have the right to refuse to sail and may request repatriation at the company’s expense.

Under the terms agreed by the IBF parties, seafarers serving on vessels within or entering the designated WOA will be entitled to the following protections:

• A bonus equal to 100% of basic wage, payable for a minimum of five days, and for each additional day a vessel remains in the area.

• Doubled compensation for death and disability arising from incidents in the area.

• The right for seafarers to refuse to sail into the area, with repatriation at the company’s cost and compensation equal to two months’ basic wage.

• A recommendation for ship operators to implement enhanced security arrangements equivalent to ISPS Level 3.

• These provisions reflect the standard protections applied to seafarers transiting Warlike Operations Areas under IBF agreements.

The ITF and JNG emphasize that the safety and welfare of seafarers must remain paramount. The safest way to protect seafarers is through de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.

At present, the closure of international airspace across the majority of the region is also severely constraining repatriation options for seafarers seeking to leave vessels, further underlining the urgent need for stability and safe passage. Seafarers operating in or near the designated area should remain vigilant and seek guidance from their companies or unions regarding their rights and options – while recognizing that repatriation will be difficult due to restrictions and limitations on air travel and the rapidly evolving security situation. Shipowners and operators will make every effort to facilitate repatriation and take all available measures to safeguard crews.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important maritime routes in the world, through which a significant share of global energy and commodity trade passes, making peace and stability in the region critical for both seafarer safety and global trade. "Once again, seafarers are being placed directly in harm’s way in a conflict not of their making. Too often in recent years we have seen civilian seafarers become the collateral damage of war – whether in the Black Sea, the Red Sea or now in the Strait of Hormuz. These are workers, often from the Global South, far from home and with no connection to the conflicts unfolding around them," said Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, ITF.

According to the ITF, ITF Seafarers’ Support has received a high volume of enquiries from seafarers seeking advice and assistance every day since the United States and Israel launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ against Iran on 28 February.

Most enquiries relate to seafarers seeking clarification about their rights and protections, particularly regarding requests for repatriation and their right to refuse orders to sail into the affected area. "Through constructive social dialogue, we can respond quickly to emerging risks and ensure that the safety, rights and wellbeing of the world’s mariners remain the first priority. Seafarers are civilian workers, and together we must ensure they are protected from the consequences of geopolitical conflict," David Heindel, Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section and International President of the Seafarers’ International Union of North America, highlighted.

The Warlike Operations Area designation will remain under weekly review by the WOAC.

Source: safety4sea.com