(1) Subject to the provisions
of paragraph (2) of the present article a certificate issued under
the authority of a Party to the Convention in accordance with the
provisions of the regulations shall be accepted by the other Parties
and regarded for all purposes covered by the present Convention as
having the same validity as a certificate issued by them.
(2) A ship required to
hold a certificate in accordance with the provisions of the regulations
is subject, while in the ports or offshore terminals under the jurisdiction
of a Party, to inspection by officers duly authorized by that Party.
Any such inspection shall be limited to verifying that there is on
board a valid certificate, unless there are clear grounds for believing
that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not correspond
substantially with the particulars of that certificate. In that case,
or if the ship does not carry a valid certificate, the Party carrying
out the inspection shall take such steps as will ensure that the ship
shall not sail until it can proceed to sea without presenting an unreasonable
threat of harm to the marine environment. That Party may, however,
grant such a ship permission to leave the port or offshore terminal
for the purpose of proceeding to the nearest appropriate repair yard
available.
(3) If a Party denies
a foreign ship entry to the ports or offshore terminals under its
jurisdiction or takes any action against such a ship for the reason
that the ship does not comply with the provisions of the present Convention,
the Party shall immediately inform the consul or diplomatic representative
of the Party whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, or if this is
not possible, the Administration of the ship concerned. Before denying
entry or taking such action the Party may request consultation with
the Administration of the ship concerned. Information shall also be
given to the Administration when a ship does not carry a valid certificate
in accordance with the provisions of the regulations.
(4) With respect to the
ship of non-Parties to the Convention, Parties shall apply the requirements
of the present Convention as may be necessary to ensure that no more
favourable treatment is given to such ships.