Ships in Distress, Environmental Threats to Coastal States, and Places of Refuge: New Directions for an Ancien Regime?

Author: Chircop A.

Source: Ocean Development and International Law, Volume 33, Number 2, 1 April 2002 , pp. 207-226(20)

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Abstract:

Places of refuge for ships in distress is a topic before the International Maritime Organization as a result of several recent well-publicized refusals by maritime authorities of coastal states to allow such ships to enter sheltered waters within national jurisdiction. The traditional right of refuge of the crew, ship, and cargo is pitted against threat perceptions held by coastal states resulting in a "not in my backyard" syndrome. Instances of modern state practice seem to restrict the right of refuge to a purely humanitarian dimension. There is a need to reevaluate the right of refuge and to establish a system of places of refuge on the basis of regional cooperation to counter the potential threat of stricken ships that are unable to effect necessary repairs in sheltered areas within national jurisdiction.

Keywords: COASTAL STATE RESPONSIBILITIES; INTERVENTION; PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT; RIGHT OF REFUGE; SHIPS IN DISTRESS

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2002-04-01