A recent International Maritime Organization audit of the Republic Open Ship Registry found deficiencies and to remedy these changes in the law is needed to be in line with its obligation under international standards.
President Surangel Whipps Jr. in a letter to the leaders of the Olbiil Era Kelulau is seeking amendments to Palau’s Admiralty and Maritime laws.
Whipps said changes to the bill, will allow the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industry to oversee the reform of the shipping registry.
Whipps’s letter to the OEK is accompanied by a proposed bill that stated that changes will provide the country the opportunity to incorporate in the Palau National Code lessons learned from past experience.
The president said by amending the Palau national code, the country’s capacity for maritime activities can be increased.
“For salvaging wrecks to covering offenses such as driving the vessels under the influence, the bill defines the due process procedures and designates the appropriate authorities to implement the law,” Whipps noted.
The proposed changes in the bill also took into account IMO’s recommendation to make it easier for ships to travel internationally.
Recently the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced that five foreign-flagged ships remained under detention in UK ports at the end of December after failing Paris MOU Port State Control (PSC) inspection. One of those vessels are flagged under Palau. (Island Times)