The newly revised maritime traffic safety law of China

by The Editorial Team 

June 28, 2021

The Maritime Traffic Safety Law of China, regulating maritime traffic safety in Chinese sea areas, was revised with effect from 1st September 2021.

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The current version of MTSL was adopted in September 1983 and amended in November 2016. On April 29, 2021, the 28th session of the 13th NPC Standing Committee (NPCSC) adopted the revised MTSL(첨부참조) which will come into effect on September 1, 2021.

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According to an update by UK Club’s correspondents Huatai Marine, the revised law adds 8 new legal systems:

• shipping company’s safety and pollution prevention management system,

• vessel security system,

• crew’s work rights protection system,

• early warning and emergency response mechanisms for overseas emergencies of crew,

• planning system of maritime traffic resources,

• maritime radio communication guarantee system,

• specific reporting system for vessels of foreign nationality entering and exiting the territorial waters, and

• the maritime ferry management system.

In addition, six legal systems have been supplemented and improved, namely, crew management system, cargo and passenger transportation safety management system, legal system for safeguarding marine rights and interests, maritime search and rescue system, investigation and handling of maritime traffic accidents, legal liability, and administrative enforcement legal system.

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The main content of the revision is to improve maritime traffic conditions and level of safety guarantee, strengthen the management of vessels and crew and standardize maritime traffic activities and strictly control administrative permissions, and standardize administrative law enforcement actions.