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THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION MUST CLEAN UP THEIR ACT

Flags of convenience (FOC) states profit from allowing foreign ship operators to register vessels under their 'flag' but fail to effectively monitor and oversee 'their' ships. The FOC system turns regulation into a business and allows a competitive advantage that encourages sub-standard shipping practices. In order to improve maintenance and inspection globally of all vessels, a new global agreement is required which eliminates the FOC practice, holds flag states responsible and accountable for enforcement of regulations, and gives port states considerably more authority to inspect and detain sub-standard vessels.

 

The IMO is the United Nations organisation responsible for international regulation of shipping. It has been unable to-date to address these problems, not least of all because of the dominant influence of the shipping industry and the flag states who represent them at IMO. The only responsible reaction to the Prestige (and the numerous accidents that preceded it) is to urgently bring about a fundamental change in the way the international shipping is practised and regulated.

 

The very informative IMO website is here

Here's a draft text to send to the IMO! Or, even better - draft your own! Use the direct mail link provided...

MAIL DIRECT HERE

..... but a telefax can also be sent to:
 

Fax +44 (0)20 7587 3210

 

or a letter to Mr O'Neal using the address below.

 

Or, alternatively, you can go to the Greenpeace initiative, and join the 14,000 others who have protested to the IMO via their action site ...
 

GREENPEACE 'CLEAN SEAS' INITIATIVE

Draft Text

PREVENT UNSAFE TANKERS SAILING UNDER FLAGS OF CONVENIENCE
 

Mr William A O'Neil

Secretary General

International Maritime Organization

4 Albert Embankment

London

SE1 7SR

United Kingdom

 

 

Dear Mr O'Neil,
 
The 'Prestige' oil-spill, which is reaching shocking proportions, is the latest in a long line of such enviromental disasters in the recent past. Not only are the costs of cleaning up the visible damage enormous for the states concerned - which cannot even be minimally met by the insurance cover (underinsurance is the rule rather than the exception) - the marine environment has suffered long-lasting or even permanent damage. In particular some species of birds and many other organisms have been driven to the brink of extinction.
 
This must stop and we urge you to put no more obstacles in the way of the European Union and nation states to introduce rapid and effective legislation and concrete defensive measures to protect their shorelines and natural resources.
 
It is no coincidence that disasters are most frequent with ships sailing under flags of convenience, and these figure in the Top Ten of your tonnage listings and budget contributions.
 
Live up to your motto "Safer Shipping - Cleaner Oceans". The only responsible reaction to the Prestige (and the numerous accidents that preceded it) is to urgently bring about a fundamental change in the way the international shipping is practised and regulated.
 
Sincerely,

(Name and address)

A Proact Personal Support Initiative!