China: Revised Maritime Traffic Safety Law Takes Effect on 1 September 2021 *Update*

Update 9 September 2021

The revised Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China (MTSL) which took effect on 1 September 2021 introduces new reporting requirements on foreign vessels entering China’s territorial seas.

Oasis P&I have outlined these reporting requirements in their Circular No. 2108: ‘Reporting Requirements for Vessels of Foreign Nationality Entering the Territorial Sea of the People’s Republic of China’.

Read the Circular here 

Update 7 September 2021

Following the introduction of the revised Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China (MTSL) on 1 September 2021, Oasis P&I have provided details of the increased penalties that may be imposed.

Read the Oasis P&I Circular here

Correspondents Huatai Marine have outlined the changes in their Circular PNI[2021]09, providing the following summary:

Eight new legal systems added: Namely the shipping company’s safety and pollution prevention management system, the vessel security system, the crew’s work rights protection system, the early warning and emergency response mechanisms for overseas emergencies of crew, the planning system of maritime traffic resources, the maritime radio communication guarantee system, the specific reporting system for vessels of foreign nationality entering and exiting the territorial waters, and the maritime ferry management system.

Six legal systems 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.

Read the Huatai Circular here:

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