Lloyd's Maritime and Commercial Law Quarterly
Chinese Maritime Law 2003–20041
K X Li*
I. LEGISLATION
A. Vessels
1. Administrative Measures of Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine of International Navigation Vessels
(promulgated by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the PRC, effective as on 1 March 2003) enhances inspection and quarantine management; streamlines administrative procedures; and facilitates international trade. It applies to both national flag and foreign flag vessels that engage in international trade and berth at Chinese ports.
2. Administrative Regulations of the PRC on the Safety Supervision of Dangerous Cargoes on Vessels
(promulgated by the MOC, effective on 1 January 2004) substitutes Managerial Regulation on the Supervision of Dangerous Cargoes on Vessels 1981. It regulates the administrative measures and procedures relating to safety of navigation and prevention of pollution from vessels. It covers topics of vessels, declaration, personnel, and legal responsibility.
3. Rules on Safety of Vessels at Sea
(promulgated by the MOC, effective on 1 July 2004) incorporates the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 and International Ships and Port Facility Code.
* Associate Professor of Maritime Law and Policy, International Centre for Maritime Studies (ICMS), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I am grateful to Mr Cheng Jin, PhD Candidate, for his assistance in preparing this review.
1. This review covers important legislations, judicial decisions and publications during 2003 to 2004 relating to Chinese maritime law.
Abbreviations
: PRC (Peoples Republic of China), NPC (National People’s Congress), SPC (Supreme People’s Court), MOC (Ministry of Communications), MSA (Maritime Safety Administration), RMB (Ren Min Bi (Currency of PRC)), b/l (bill of lading), c/p (charterparty), NVOCC (non-vessel operating common carrier).
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