San Marino – SL3 in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov

C26047 | 19 Oct 2026

Notice to: Ship Owners / Companies / Managers / Operators / Masters / Auditors / CSOs / DCSOs

San Marino Ship Register (SMSR) issued DIRECTIVE No. 04/2026 on 15 October 2026, setting Security Level 3 (SL3) for all San Marino-flagged vessels navigating, in port, at anchor or moored in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, except within Turkish territorial waters, where Security Level 2 (SL2) shall be maintained as a precautionary measure.

In view of the escalating military and security threats in the region, including naval mines, missile strikes, drone attacks and the risk of vessel seizure or damage, Companies are urged to assess the risks associated with vessel operations in the affected areas and implement appropriate security measures in accordance with SOLAS Chapter XI-2, the ISPS Code and Marine Notice 2026-TEC-002 dated 14 January 2026.

The Administration strongly recommends that San Marino-flagged vessels avoid transiting these high-risk areas until further notice and consider alternative routes wherever practicable.

Directive No. 1/2023 dated 14 February 2023 is hereby repealed.

Act now

Ship Owners / Companies / Managers / Operators / Masters / CSOs / DCSOs shall ensure that the Masters of affected vessels are promptly informed of the Directive and that the applicable security measures are implemented.

During each onboard audit of a vessel arriving from the Black Sea or the Sea of Azov, DBS auditors shall verify, within the scope of the audit, that the applicable security measures have been implemented in accordance with the required security level and the vessel’s Ship Security Plan (SSP). Relevant records and supporting evidence shall be reviewed, as applicable.