China Requires Emergency Reports from Foreign Ships in Internal Waters

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Mfame Editor
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31

  • Foreign-flagged ships must urgently report to Chinese maritime authorities if entering internal waters due to emergencies.
  • Reports can be made via marine radiotelephony, satellite phone, fax, and other official channels.
  • Ships must provide details such as vessel information, emergency causes, cargo data, and crew health status.

China has reinforced its maritime regulations, requiring foreign-flagged ships to report immediately when entering its internal waters due to emergencies. These measures aim to enhance maritime safety and ensure proper supervision of foreign vessels in distress, reports MSA.

Who Needs to Report?

Foreign-flagged ships must notify Chinese maritime authorities when entering internal waters due to emergencies like mechanical failures, distress, or adverse weather, especially if they lack prior entry permits.

The rule ensures that authorities are aware of incoming vessels requiring urgent assistance.

How to Report?

Ships can submit reports through various channels, including marine radiotelephony, DSC on VHF, MF, and HF, marine satellite phones, landlines, faxes, and the national maritime rescue hotline “12395.”

These multiple options allow vessels to communicate effectively even in distress situations.

What Information Must Be Reported?

The emergency report must include:

  1. Ship details (name, IMO number, call sign, flag, type, and contact information)
  2. Ownership and management details
  3. Position, course, speed, and planned route
  4. Expected entry and departure times
  5. Vessel dimensions and draft
  6. Crew and passenger information, including health status
  7. Cargo details, particularly dangerous goods classification
  8. Cause of emergency, actions taken, and assistance required
  9. A completed Emergency Report Form (to be submitted upon entry)

If a ship’s AIS malfunctions, it must provide hourly updates on its position, course, and speed until it either exits Chinese waters or receives a port entry permit.

Compliance and Enforcement

Ships entering China’s internal waters in emergencies must comply with maritime authorities’ instructions.

Failure to report or follow directives can result in enforcement actions under relevant Chinese laws and regulations. These measures strengthen maritime oversight and ensure the safe handling of emergencies.

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Source: MSA