Ships to carry emergency plans to deal with HNS, with entry into force of OPRC-HNS Protocol on 14 June 2OO7

摘要

From 14 June 2007, ships must carry a pollution emergency plan to deal specifically with incidents involving hazardous and noxious substances, such as chemicals.rnThe new rule is included in the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Cooperation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances (OPRC-HNS Protocol), of 2000, which entered into force on 14 June 2007. The OPRC-HNS Protocol defines HNS as substances other than oil, which, if introduced into the marine environment, have the potential to create hazards to human health, to harm living resources and marine life, to damage amenities or to interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea.