Merchant Shipping Act, 2003
The principal Act governing merchant shipping in Sierra Leone — ship registration, maritime safety, seafarers and marine pollution.
Summary
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2003 is the principal statute governing merchant shipping in Sierra Leone. It provides a comprehensive framework for the registration of ships, the safety of navigation, the manning and welfare of seafarers, and the protection of the marine environment.
The Act provides for the registration and nationality of Sierra Leonean ships, standards of ship safety and survey, the certification, engagement and welfare of seafarers, the investigation of casualties, liability and salvage, and measures to prevent and respond to marine pollution. It gives effect to international maritime conventions and is administered by the maritime administration.
It was amended by the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2008.
Main provisions
- Provides for the registration and nationality of ships.
- Sets standards for ship safety, survey and navigation.
- Regulates the certification, engagement and welfare of seafarers.
- Provides for casualty investigation, liability and salvage.
- Provides for the prevention of marine pollution.
- Gives effect to international maritime conventions.