Ships Can Use Hormuz Southern Route With Signals On, JMIC Says

Ships can navigate the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz at any time, including at night, with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders activated, according to the Japan Maritime Information Center (JMIC). This guidance was issued following a period of heightened maritime security concerns in the region. The JMIC, a Japanese organization that provides maritime safety information, stated that vessels should maintain a vigilant watch and adhere to standard navigation practices. The southern route is generally considered to be outside the immediate territorial waters of Iran, offering a potentially safer passage. The advisory emphasizes the importance of AIS for tracking and identification purposes, which aids in de-escalation and collision avoidance. This information is critical for commercial shipping and naval operations transiting one of the world's most vital oil chokepoints. The JMIC's advice aims to facilitate the safe and continuous flow of maritime traffic while acknowledging the prevailing security landscape.