Practical safety guidance for seafarers exposed to missile and drone attacks
Stella Maris, working together with The Nautical Institute of Ukraine and maritime colleagues in Odesa, has developed dedicated safety guidance for seafarers who may be caught in missile or drone attacks while at sea.
The guidance addresses the immediate actions crews should take during an attack, based on the very real risks seafarers are currently facing. It provides clear, practical advice on seeking protection in internal spaces away from windows and external walls, adopting protective positions to reduce the effects of blast and fragmentation, and remaining sheltered after an initial strike due to the risk of follow‑up attacks.
It also reinforces the importance of calm, disciplined responses and situational awareness, highlighting hazards such as flying glass, structural damage and unexploded munitions that may remain after an attack. In addition, the guidance draws attention to the need for appropriate onboard medical preparedness when operating in high‑risk areas.
With ongoing conflict affecting key maritime routes, including parts of the Middle East, the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, this guidance offers timely and potentially life‑saving support for seafarers navigating some of the most challenging operating conditions at sea today.
Read the safety guidance by downloading below
