The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has urged governments not to impede the smooth operation of a global maritime regulatory regime by failing to ratify and implement crucial maritime conventions.

It is crucial that the same regulations governing matters such as safety, environmental protection, liability and seafarers' working conditions apply to all ships in international trade and that the same laws apply to all parts of the voyage, said ICS, the principal international trade association for shipowners, representing 80% of the world merchant fleet.

ICS and its sister organization, the International Shipping Federation (ISF), have produced a campaign brochure which reiterates the importance of maritime treaty ratification and is intended to help member national shipowner associations lobby their governments to support the global regulatory system that shipping requires.

"A global industry requires global rules." said ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe.

"The failure of new Conventions to enter into force or become widely ratified also gives encouragement to the promotion of unwelcome unilateral or regional regulation."
 
 
Source: mb