Places of Refuge
Sheltered locations where a ship in distress can be moved to stabilise, transfer cargo, or undergo emergency repair, granted by coastal-state authorities.
In practice
Coastal-state authority (UKHO, USCG, Greek Ministry) reviews the request from the master / salvor / flag state. Decision balances marine-environment risk vs port-area exposure; political sensitivity often delays acceptance. IMO Resolution A.949(23) is the framework.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Governed by IMO Res. A.949(23) (Guidelines on places of refuge for ships in need of assistance) and EU Directive 2002/59/EC for European waters. Coastal states are not obliged to grant entry; refusals (e.g. Prestige 2002, MSC Flaminia 2012) have triggered casualty escalation. Each state designates a single competent authority for the request.
Authoritative source: International Maritime Organization ↗
Related
Source: IMO Res. A.949(23); EU Directive 2002/59/EC
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.