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As more jurisdictions refuse to flag IRISL vessels, it is increasingly likely that persons will encounter IRISL vessels that are not properly flagged,” Treasury said in the advisory(pdf). “Therefore, maritime authorities should be  alert to the presentation by IRISL of potentially fabricated vessel registration and flag credentials at ports of call and canal entrances.”

The advisory comes after Rep. Howard Berman (D., Calif.), the ranking member of the House Foreign Relations Committee, sent letters to leaders in Tanzania and Tuvalu requesting that they cancel flags for Iranian vessels.

Maritime authorities and industry participants should be aware that assisting IRISL or its blocked affiliates to re-flag their vessels may constitute a violation of sanctions, and therefore subject themselves to being placed under sanctions.