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 ↗

SCOPIC Clause

Source: IMO Res. A.949(23); EU Directive 2002/59/EC

High confidence

Editorial confidence: how we grade.

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Places of Refuge

In practice

Related

Places of Refuge

In practice

Related