MARSEC Level 3 Advisory: GPS Spoofing Threats in Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
Summary
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has issued a MARSEC Level 3 security advisory for vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf, Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman. The advisory responds to increased military activity across the Middle East peninsula, documented cases of GPS spoofing targeting vessels in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and widespread GNSS interference throughout the region. NMA recommends that vessel operators conduct comprehensive security assessments before entering Level 3 areas, update GNSS/GPS contingency procedures, and monitor threat intelligence from UKMTO and EUNAVFOR. MARSEC levels in the area may change on short notice.
“NMA would like to highlight the importance of conducting a comprehensive security assessment before the vessel enters the area with MARSEC/ISPS-level 3.”
Shipping companies with vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Gulf of Oman should review their GNSS contingency procedures and confirm they are aligned with current threat intelligence from UKMTO and EUNAVFOR. Crew training and emergency drills should be conducted before vessel entry into Level 3 areas, as MARSEC levels may change with minimal notice.
About this source
GovPing monitors Norway Sjøfartsdirektoratet for new transportation regulatory changes. Every update since tracking began is archived, classified, and available as free RSS or email alerts — 3 changes logged to date.
What changed
NMA has published a Level 3 maritime security advisory for the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, citing observed GPS spoofing incidents and high GNSS interference caused by ongoing military operations in the region. The advisory recommends that vessels conduct comprehensive security assessments before entering Level 3 areas, ensure GNSS/GPS signal-loss contingency procedures are current, use BMP Maritime Security guidelines for preparation, and report to UKMTO and MSCIO in accordance with established guidelines. Vessel operators and shipping companies should review security protocols, update emergency procedures, and monitor MARSEC level changes as conditions remain fluid with potential for rapid escalation.
Archived snapshot
Apr 23, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
The situation has increased the threat to vessels from collateral damage in the Arabian Gulf/Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Several examples of GPS-Spoofing towards vessels are already observed in the Arabian Gulf / Persian Gulf and Red Sea.
Due to the military actions across the waters of the Middle East peninsula, there is a high degree of uncertainty of the situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
There is a high degree of GNSS interference towards vessels in the whole area.
NMA would like to highlight the importance of conducting a comprehensive security assessment before the vessel enters the area with MARSEC/ISPS-level 3.
Recommended Measures
Use threat assessments and transit advice for the region are provided by UKMTO and EUNAVFOR. Can be found on the MSCIO website.
Report to UKMTO and MSCIO in accordance with guidelines.
Ensure that contingency procedures and routines for GNSS/GPS signal loss are relevant, up to date in accordance with the threat landscape, and implemented on board.
Use "BMP Maritime Security" in preparations and operations and prepare the vessel and crew through planning and drills.
Stay alert and maintain a high level of situational awareness, both at sea and in port.
MARSEC/ISPS level in the area may change on a short notice. Follow our information published on Persian gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea - Norwegian Maritime Authority
Named provisions
Related changes
Get daily alerts for Norway Sjøfartsdirektoratet
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from NMA.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when Norway Sjøfartsdirektoratet publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.