At the moment Timor-Leste is working on the IMO conventions for the International Maritime Organization. In addition, MNEC has been submitted 14 conventions to the Council of Ministers (CoM) such as; MARPOL, SOLAS, STCW, International Convention on Tonnage Measures of Ship, 1969 (TONNAGE Convention); Convention on the International Regulation for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs); International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 (SAR); International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (LOADLINE). International Convention for The Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM), 2004; International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972; Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), 1965; Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention), 1972; Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006; International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation (OPRC), 1990; Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA), 1988. Moreover, the 3 conventions have been ratified by the National Parliament such as; MARPOL, SOLAS, STCW;
- MARPOL:
- The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) was adopted on 2 November 1973 and is one of the key instruments of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). MARPOL is the main international convention covering the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by SHIPS from operational or accidental causes. Accession to the Convention is in line with the Government program aiming at the development of the national maritime transport sector, the integration of Timor-Leste into the international maritime community, and the protection of the national coastal marine ecosystems.
- The purpose of ratifying the Convention is to preserve the marine environment in an attempt to completely eliminate pollution by oil and other harmful substances and minimize accidental spillage of such substances from SHIPS, comply with UNCLOS and meet SDP&SDGs Goals.
The benefits of ratifying MARPOL for Timor-Leste:
- By ratifying MARPOL, Timor-Leste will have in place international safety standard on construction, equipment and operational of ships. Thus, permitting Timor-Leste’s ship to operate outside Timor-Leste.
- Reaffirmation of Timor-Leste’s commitment our commitment not only national but also international on the protection of the safety and life at sea, and environment under Article 94 (Duties of Flag State) and PART XII on the Protection and Preservation of the Marine Environment of UNCLOS.
Improving the quality of our shipping industry that will contribute to providing better (safe) service to Timorese and promote the development of Timor-Leste tourism industry.