TITLE III

MONITORING OF HAZARDOUS SHIPS AND INTERVENTION IN THE EVENT OF INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS AT SEA

Plans for the accommodation of ships in need of assistance
Article 20a
1
Member States shall draw up plans for the accommodation of ships in order to respond to threats presented by ships in need of assistance in the waters under their jurisdiction, including, where applicable, threats to human life and the environment. The authority or authorities referred to in Article 20(1) shall participate in drawing up and carrying out those plans.
2
The plans referred to in paragraph 1 shall be prepared after consultation of the parties concerned, on the basis of IMO Resolutions A.949(23) and A.950(23), and shall contain at least the following:
a
the identity of the authority or authorities responsible for receiving and handling alerts;
b
the identity of the competent authority for assessing the situation and taking a decision on acceptance or refusal of a ship in need of assistance in the place of refuge selected;
c
information on the coastline of Member States and all elements facilitating a prior assessment and rapid decision regarding the place of refuge for a ship, including a description of environmental, economic and social factors and natural conditions;
d
the assessment procedures for acceptance or refusal of a ship in need of assistance in a place of refuge;
e
the resources and installations suitable for assistance, rescue and combating pollution;
f
procedures for international coordination and decision-making;
g
the financial guarantee and liability procedures in place for ships accommodated in a place of refuge.
3
Member States shall publish the name and contact address of the authority or authorities referred to in Article 20(1) and of the authorities appointed for receiving and handling alerts.
Member States shall communicate on request the relevant information concerning plans to neighbouring Member States.
In implementing the procedures provided for in the plans for accommodating ships in need of assistance, Member States shall ensure that relevant information is made available to the parties involved in the operations.
If requested by Member States, those receiving information in accordance with the second and third subparagraphs shall be bound by an obligation of confidentiality.
4
Member States shall inform the Commission by
30 November 2010
of the measures taken in application of this Article.
Inserted by Directive 2009/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 amending Directive 2002/59/EC establishing a Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system (Text with EEA relevance).