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The London-based International
Maritime Organisation is expected to
submit for further consideration a
proposal that port state control
officers should have powers to
prevent foreign vessels considered a
security threat from entering port.
The IMO's working group on maritime
security agreed to submit a detailed
text on enhanced ship control
measures for final consideration to
a diplomatic conference in December.
If adopted, it will form part of new
amendments to the International
Convention for Safety Of Life At Sea
pertaining to a raft of security
measures applicable to ships,
companies, port facilities and Solas
contracting governments.
It could come into force as early as
mid-2004.
The critical Solas Regulation XI-2/9
was drafted in response to US
demands for a new global port state
control regime allowing inspections
of foreign-flag vessels to occur
outside a port in the interests of
early detection and rectification of
security problems.
Controversial areas where it agreed
uniform guidance and interpretations
are required concern the
proportionality of port state
control measures, and when such
measures should be lifted.
It is also the intention to
establish time limits on the
production and retention of
information requested from the ship,
and in order to ensure due process
in respect of port state action.
The proposed new regulation foresees
compensation "for any loss or damage
suffered" if a ship is "unduly
detained or delayed".
In response to the news, the
International Chamber of Shipping,
Bimco, Intertanko and the
International Parcel Tanker
Association have expressed their
concern over the proposal.
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