Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA)

The Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA) administered by UKMTO, the maritime zone covering the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and Gulf within which merchant ships are asked to report their movements to UKMTO. On entering the VRA a ship sends an initial report, then daily position reports, and a final report on leaving, so UKMTO can maintain a recognized picture and respond quickly to an incident. Participation is voluntary but strongly recommended by BMP; the VRA replaced earlier fixed reporting lines tied to the High Risk Area.