Recommendation on the use of adequately qualified deep-sea pilots in the Baltic Sea

摘要

The Assembly, Recalling Article 15(j) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization, concerning the functions of the Assembly, in relation to regulations and guidelines concerning maritime safety and the prevention and control of marine pollution from ships, Recognizing that navigational safety plays an important part in reducing the risk of incidents at sea likely to cause loss of life, personal injury, marine pollution or damage to property, Recognizing that the Baltic Sea, with the exception of the Russian Federation's waters and the Russian Federation's Exclusive Economic Zone, was designated a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) by the Organization in 2005 (resolution MEPC.136(53)), Recognizing that the Baltic Sea is defined as a "special area" according to several annexes to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, as amended), which means stricter requirements for maritime transport apply in this area, Recognizing Further that, in appropriate circumstances, competent deep-sea pilots can make an effective contribution to the safety of navigation in confined and busy waters such as the Baltic Sea, Considering that the contents of resolution A.480(Ⅻ), adopted on 19 November 1981, on this subject is now in need of revision to reflect the changes and developments that have taken place since its adoption, Having considered the recommendations made by the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation at its fifty-ninth session, based on the authorization by the Maritime Safety Committee at its ninetieth session, 1 Recommends Member Governments to take all necessary and appropriate measures to encourage the Masters and owners of ships entitled to fly the flag of their State transiting the Baltic Sea, when choosing to avail themselves of a deep-sea pilot, to make use only of the services of adequately qualified and licensed deep-sea pilots; 2 Invites the Governments of the coastal States of the Baltic Sea: .1 to provide information on how to obtain the services of adequately qualified and licensed deep-sea pilots; .2 to take all necessary and appropriate measures to ensure that only adequately qualified and licensed pilots are available through the Pilotage Services; .3 to take all necessary and appropriate measures to ensure that all adequately qualified deep-sea pilots are in possession of a deep-sea pilot's identity card, in the form shown in the annex to the present resolution and issued by a competent pilotage authority; 3 Revokes resolution A.480(Ⅻ).