CHINA: UPDATED MARITIME TRAFFIC SAFETY LAW (MTSL)

Published: 1 July 2021

The MTSL is the primary law regulating maritime traffic safety in the sea areas within the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China and a revised MTSL will come into effect on 1 September 2021.  Full details of the changes are contained in the Huatai Circular but Members should note that there are important changes relating to:

• Compulsory pilotage stipulations for foreign flagged ships and for all tankers carrying certain hazardous cargoes
• Updated regulations on the stowage and carriage of hazardous goods, including identifying the nature of the goods and setting out safety measures to be taken
• Updating regulations on vessels in distress to make clear that prevention of pollution forms part of the consideration in those situations.

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