IMO Releases Emergency Guidelines

The IMO issued a circular forwarding guidelines on the control of ships in an emergency. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide member governments, ship masters, companies, salvors, and others engaged in a maritime emergency with a framework of authority within which to they may be expected to operate. The guidelines recognize the obligation of the master to protect the lives of the persons on board the ship and the authority of the coastal state to take measures to protect its coastline and related interests. It encourages all parties to communicate with each other so as to minimize misunderstandings. [Source: HK Law]