#DayOfTheSeafarers: Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks.

25 June, 2026 – Few developments could better reflect this year’s Day of the Seafarer theme, “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks.”, than the IMO-led evacuation of more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation is being coordinated by the IMO alongside Member States, UKMTO and the MICA Center.

Current Operational Guidance

Vessels should not proceed towards the Strait of Hormuz or designated waiting areas until contacted by the relevant authorities.

UKMTO and the MICA Center will communicate directly with vessels when required, including through VHF Channel 16.

Once contacted, vessels may be routed through either the Northern route via Iranian waters or the Southern route via Omani and US-coordinated waters, depending on their own risk assessment.

The existing Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) should not be used, as mines have been reported in the area.

Responsibility for traffic management remains divided, with IMO providing the overall framework while Iran and Oman/US authorities manage routing and vessel movements within their respective sectors.

The Human Side of Maritime Trade

The evacuation programme is a welcome step towards bringing thousands of seafarers home safely.

As the maritime industry marks the Day of the Seafarer, MasOceans joins the wider shipping community in recognising the professionalism, resilience and commitment of the men and women who keep global trade moving every day.

To every seafarer carrying world trade while carrying the risks, thank you.