PHOENIX REGISTER OF SHIPPING
NL 309/25 | Announcement by the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China on Reporting Requirements for Foreign-flagged Ships Entering the Internal Waters of the People’s Republic of China in Emergency Situations
According to the Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China, with effect from 1 March 2025 foreign-flagged ships shall make an urgent report to the maritime administrations when entering the internal waters of the People’s Republic of China in emergency situations.
The relevant reporting requirements are hereby announced as follows:
The announcement issued by China Maritime Safety Administration (CMSA) addresses the reporting requirements of foreign ships in emergency situations in case of entry into Chinese internal waters when a permit to enter port areas has not yet been obtained.
Emergency situations may involve urgent illness, mechanical failure, distress, and adverse weather conditions.
Requirements:
- Reporting Channels
Marine radiotelephony, DSC on VHF/MF/HF;
Marine satellite telephone, wired telephone, fax;
Maritime Search and Rescue national Hotline “12395”; and
Other effective means.
- The Emergency Report Form (Appendix to the Announcement letter – available here) to be submitted to the local maritime administration as supplement as soon as the ship has entered the Chinese internal waters. It is an urgent report containing various essential information pertaining to the vessel’ details, cargo information and nature of the emergency.
- If the vessel’s AIS is non-operational after emergency entry into Chinese internal waters, hourly updates are required until departure from Chinese internal waters or port entry permission is granted:
Ship name, call sign, IMO number; and
Current position, intended course, and speed.
- The foreign-flagged ship entering the internal waters of the People’s Republic of China in emergency situations shall be subject to instructions and supervision of the competent maritime administrations.
