Event-specific assessment
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.949(23) – Guidelines on Places of Refuge for Ships in Need of Assistance – (Adopted on 5 December 2003) - Annex - Guidelines on Places of Refuge for Ships in Need of Assistance - 3 Guidelines for Actions Expected of Coastal States - Event-specific assessment

Event-specific assessment

  Analysis factors

  3.9 This analysis should include the following points:

  • seaworthiness of the ship concerned, in particular buoyancy, stability, availability of means of propulsion and power generation, docking ability, etc.;
  • nature and condition of cargo, stores, bunkers, in particular hazardous goods;
  • distance and estimated transit time to a place of refuge;
  • whether the master is still on board;
  • the number of other crew and/or salvors and other persons on board and an assessment of human factors, including fatigue;
  • the legal authority of the country concerned to require action of the ship in need of assistance;
  • whether the ship concerned is insured or not insured;
  • if the ship is insured, identification of the insurer, and the limits of liability available;
  • agreement by the master and company of the ship to the proposals of the coastal State/salvor to proceed or be brought to a place of refuge;
  • provisions of the financial security required;
  • commercial salvage contracts already concluded by the master or company of the ship;
  • information on the intention of the master and/or salvor;
  • designation of a representative of the company at the coastal State concerned;
  • risk evaluation factors identified in Appendix 2; and
  • any measures already taken.

  Expert analysis

  3.10 An inspection team designated by the coastal State should board the ship, when appropriate and if time allows, for the purpose of gathering evaluation data. The team should be composed of persons with expertise appropriate to the situation.

  3.11 The analysis should include a comparison between the risks involved if the ship remains at sea and the risks that it would pose to the place of refuge and its environment. Such comparison should cover each of the following points:

  • safeguarding of human life at sea;
  • safety of persons at the place of refuge and its industrial and urban environment (risk of fire or explosion, toxic risk, etc.);
  • risk of pollution;
  • if the place of refuge is a port, risk of disruption to the ports operation (channels, docks, equipment, other installations);
  • evaluation of the consequences if a request for place of refuge is refused, including the possible effect on neighbouring States; and
  • due regard should be given, when drawing the analysis, to the preservation of the hull, machinery and cargo of the ship in need of assistance.

After the final analysis has been completed, the maritime authority should ensure that the other authorities concerned are appropriately informed.

Parent topic: 3 Guidelines for Actions Expected of Coastal States
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