MoTC announces fines for ships polluting Omani waters

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) issued a decision to safeguard Omani waters against pollution by ships.

The Ministerial Decision No 108/2019 stipulates a list of measures to prevent pollution in Oman's territorial waters. According to the decision, ship owners operating through Omani ports could face a fine of up to RO5,000 for polluting Omani waters.

'A fine of RO300 would be imposed for allowing flammable or radioactive materials to be brought into the port, without proper storage, while other violations, such as actually causing a spill or neglecting to outfit the vessel with devices for handling dangerous waste can invite a fine of up to RO5,000.

'These fines can be doubled for repeat offences,' the decision said. According to the decision, a captain of a ship needs to deliver the waste on the ship to the port before leaving. He may only keep it if he can prove to the authority that the ship can safely store the waste in order to protect its crew and the marine environment.

The decision allows the authorities to monitor and inspect the waste containment facilities at the port.

Ships must also show that they have proper safety and waste-disposal equipment needed to prevent pollution onboard the vessel when they enter Omani ports. If they do cause a spillage of waste, the owners and captains will be held responsible.

It is prohibited to cause any pollution while the ship is at the port or in territorial waters.

MENAFN2608201901410000ID1098925025