S.L. 499.34 Art. 15Plans for the accommodation of ships in need of assistance.

(1) The Authority shall draw up plans for the accommodation of ships in order to respond to threats presented by ships in need of assistance in the waters under the jurisdiction of

Malta, including, where applicable, threats to human life and the environment.

(2) The plans referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be prepared after consultation with the stakeholders and parties concerned, on the basis of IMO Resolutions A.949(23) and A.950(23), and shall contain at least the following:

(a) the identity and contact addresses of the authorities or entities responsible for receiving and handling alerts;

(b) the identity and contact address of the competent authority for assessing the situation and taking a decision on acceptance or refusal of a ship in need of assistance in the place of refuge selected;

(c) information on the coastline of Malta and all elements facilitating a prior assessment and rapid decision regarding the place of refuge for a ship, including a description of environmental, economic and social factors and natural conditions;

(d) the assessment procedures for acceptance or refusal of a ship in need of assistance in a place of refuge;

(e) the resources and installations suitable for assistance, rescue and combating pollution;

(f) procedures for international coordination and decision-making; and

(g) the financial guarantee and liability procedures in place for ships accommodated in a place of refuge.

(3) The Authority shall communicate on request the relevant information concerning plans for accommodating ships in need of assistance to neighbouring Member States of Malta.

(4) The Authority shall ensure that in implementing the procedures provided for in the plans for accommodating ships in need of assistance, the relevant information is available to the parties involved in the operations.