1 Introduction
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1251 – Guidelines on the Control of Ships in an Emergency – (19 October 2007) - Annex - Guidelines on the Control of Ships in an Emergency - 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

  1.1 It is recognized that, in an emergency, the lines of command and control must be clear and the responsibilities of each of the parties involved must be unambiguous.

  1.2 There are two major issues:

  • .1 having a clear chain of command in an emergency is essential if efforts to save life and property and prevent pollution are to be maximized; and

  • .2 there has been a growing tendency for those involved in an incident to be treated as if they have committed a crime; these Guidelines will help to clarify the issues related to the fair treatment of seafarers.

  1.3 Where safety of life is involved, the provisions of the SAR Convention should be followed. Where a ship is in need of assistance but safety of life is not involved, these Guidelines should be followed. However, the MRCC should always be kept informed about actions to enable the MRCC to determine if there is a need for them to declare an emergency phase.

  1.4 In the event that the ship in need of assistance requires a place of refuge, these Guidelines should be followed in conjunction with the Guidelines on places of refuge for ships in need of assistance (resolution A.949(23)).

Parent topic: Annex - Guidelines on the Control of Ships in an Emergency
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