With the exception of the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and the area around St Petersburg, all Baltic Sea states are members of the EU and NATO. The network of critical underwater structures, such as data cables and pipelines that run along the seabed and connect the coasts, is correspondingly dense. But as important as these connections are, they are also fragile.
The challenge of hybrid warfare
In recent months, there has been an increasing number of incidents in which this infrastructure has been damaged - for example by cargo ships dragging anchors while travelling. As such non-military actions are a classic example of hybrid warfare - i.e. taking place away from the battlefield - the governments of the countries concerned see Russia and its so-called shadow fleet as being responsible.
In order to monitor the vast maritime area, deter potential perpetrators and better protect critical infrastructure, NATO began the Operation Baltic Sentry. Sea- and air-based units of the multinational Task Force Baltic, which is coordinated from Rostock, are increasingly being deployed. The German Navy is also involved. Suspicious vessels must therefore expect boarding actions and arrests in accordance with international maritime law.
NATO asks sports skippers for help
In addition, however, NATO is taking the hitherto unusual step of also allowing other seagoing vessels - including civilian yachts and recreational craft - to be used as well. to ask for help. In an official appeal, which has meanwhile also been recognised by countries such as Sweden via the national Nachrichten für Seefahrer (notices to mariners) the process is explained.
Accordingly, "suspicious behaviour and suspicious events" should be reported, such as vessels dragging their deployed anchor while underway, missing an anchor, or reducing speed in an unusual way or changing course frequently (especially if there is underwater structure in the vicinity according to the nautical chart). The same applies to dives in such sensitive areas.
Suspicious processes should be reported
Observations can be reported by telephone to the Nato Shipping Centre in Northwood (tel. +44 1923-956574) or by email to info@shipping.nato.int. All reports will be acknowledged and will in no case result in delays for the reporting party.
The message should contain the following information: Name and flag of own vessel, an INMARSAT telephone number (for commercial vessels), position, date and time of the observation and finally a description as detailed as possible. Additional documentation of the incident, such as radar screenshots, ECDIS images or recorded radio traffic, is also helpful.
