Joint War Committee Updates Black Sea Listed Area in JWLA-035

JWLA-035 amends the European listed area

The Joint War Committee has issued circular JWLA-035 dated 16 September 2026, updating the geographical definition used for hull war, piracy, terrorism and related perils. The circular specifically amends the European section covering the Black Sea.

The revised wording lists the Black Sea while excluding the territorial waters of adjoining countries other than Russia and Ukraine. The wider European definition also includes the Sea of Azov and specified inland waters in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.

What a listed area means for a yacht

The Lloyd’s Market Association explains that vessels entering areas on the Joint War Committee list would be required to notify underwriters. The presence of an area on the list does not set a universal premium or automatically determine whether a particular voyage is insured.

Rating and the application of the list to an individual contract remain matters for negotiation between underwriters and brokers. Owners and captains therefore need to check the actual policy wording, notice requirements and agreed terms before assuming how a proposed itinerary will be treated.

Black Sea boundaries are now explicit

JWLA-035 defines the Black Sea as excluding territorial waters of adjoining countries other than Russia and Ukraine. It separately includes the Sea of Azov, all inland waters of Ukraine, specified Russian inland waters and Belarusian inland waters south of latitude 52 degrees 30 minutes north.

For yacht operations, precise coordinates and territorial-water distinctions matter because insurance obligations can depend on where the vessel intends to navigate. Route planning should therefore be checked against the current circular rather than relying on an older map or a general description of the region.

Insurance review before entering affected waters

Owners considering voyages near listed areas should involve their insurance broker early enough to resolve notice, premium and coverage questions before departure. Captains and managers should also retain written confirmation of any agreed terms together with the relevant passage plan and security assessment.

The Joint War Committee says it reviewed the listed areas in September 2026 and publishes the current list through the LMA and IUA. Because the list can change as risks develop, voyage planning should use the current circular rather than treating JWLA-035 as a permanent boundary.