Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China

Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China

Order of the President of the People's Republic of China No.7

September 2, 1983

(Adopted at the Second Meeting of the Standing Committee of the
Sixth National People's Congress)

Contents
Chapter I General Provisions
Chapter II Inspection and Registration of Vessels
Chapter III Personnel on Vessels and Installations
Chapter IV Navigation, Berthing and Operations
Chapter V Safety Protection
Chapter VI Transport of Dangerous Goods
Chapter VII Rescue from Disasters at Sea
Chapter VIII Salvage and Removal of Sunken and Drifting Objects
Chapter IX Investigation and Handling of Traffic Accidents
Chapter X Legal Liability
Chapter XI Special Provisions
Chapter XII Supplementary Provisions

Chapter I General Provisions

Article 1 This law is formulated in order to strengthen the control of maritime
traffic; ensure the safety of vessels, installations, human life and
property; and safeguard the rights and interests of the state.

Article 2 This Law shall apply to all vessels, installations and personnel and to
the owners and managers of such vessels and installations that navigate,
berth or operate in the coastal waters of the People's Republic of China.

Article 3 The harbour superintendence agencies of the People's Republic of China
shall be the competent authorities responsible for the unified supervision
and administration of traffic safety in the coastal waters.

Chapter II Inspection and Registration of Vessels

Article 4 Vessels and their major equipment relating to navigation safety must have
valid technical certificates issued by vessel inspection departments.

Article 45 If a party does not accept the penalty of a fine or revocation of his work
certificate imposed by the competent authorities, he may bring suit in a
people's court within 15 days after receiving notification of the penalty.
If he neither brings suit nor complies with the penalty upon the
expiration of that period, the competent authorities shall request
compulsory enforcement from the people's court.

Article 46 A civil dispute arising from a maritime traffic accident may be settled
through mediation by the competent authorities.
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