I’ve been on the Rainbow Warrior for about two weeks now for anti-war activities and yesterday we received this marine satellite safety message, it went out to all ships on the INMARSAT system.

EGC.004 Page 1 UTC Time: 03-02-27 12:09:02
LES 101 – MSG 40 – General Safety Call to Area: All – PosOK

HYDROLANT 447/03(GEN). EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA.

1. U.S. Forces are conducting combat training exercises in international waters off the Northern and eastern coast of Cyprus until further notice. Combat exercise activities may pose a hazard to navigation. All vessels are advised to navigate with extreme caution.

2. Request surface vessels with destinations at ports in southwestern Turkey, north and eastern Cyprus or Syria remain clear of the following designated operating areas:
A. OPERA ONE: 36-12.ON 035-30.OE, 35-50.ON 035-30.OE…
B. OPERA TWO: 35-25.ON 034-40.OE, 35-25.ON 035-30.OE…

3. All ports in this area remain open. Vessels will be able to reach ports in southwestern Turkey, North and Eastern Cyprus or Syria by transiting within 12NM of the coast or in international waters outside the operas identified by the coordinates above.

4. During these combat training exercises U.S. Forces will be operating at a heightened state of readiness and taking additional defensive precautions against terrorist and other potential threats. Surface vessels approaching U.S. Forces are required to maintain radio contact with U.S. Forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16.

5. U.S. Forces will exercise appropriate measures in self-defense if warranted by the circumstances. Surface vessels approaching U.S. Forces should make their intentions clear and avoid unnecessary initiation of such defensive measures by initiating radio contact as described above.

6. Nothing in this warning is intended to impede or otherwise interfere with the freedom of navigation of any vessel, or to limit or expand the inherent self-defense rights of U.S. Forces. This warning is published solely to advise of the heightened state of readiness of the U.S. Forces and to request that radio contact be maintained as described above.

hmmmmmm.