2.1 Before proceeding to IMO, a determination
must be made that there is a threat to the attributes of an area from
international shipping. If the threat is primarily being caused by
shipping registered domestically, it may be more appropriate to address
such a threat as a matter of domestic law. After the threat is identified,
a decision can be made as to the most appropriate means to address
it. Threats to the marine environment from international shipping
can generally be separated into three categories: (1) impacts from
accidents (e.g., groundings, spills, collisions); (2) operational
discharges (i.e., oil, noxious liquid substances, sewage, garbage,
air emissions, introduction of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens
through ships’ ballast water); and (3) physical damage to marine
habitats or organisms (i.e., anchor damage, ship strikes of marine
animals, smothering of species/habitats, harmful effects from anti-fouling
systems). Damage may also be caused from intentional violations of
existing rules and regulations.
2.2 A proposal for PSSA designation may only be
submitted by an IMO Member Government. To successfully develop a PSSA
proposal, it may be necessary to assemble a small team of national
experts in the country concerned. The team should include members
who can describe and document the attributes of the area as well as
the damage that has been or could be caused to the area. It should
also include members who are familiar with the vessel operations in
the area and the IMO measures that can be proposed to address the
damage. The proposing Member Government’s representative(s)
to IMO should also participate to facilitate submission and presentation
of the proposal.