The Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping has issued a circular (26/2012) reminding operators, representatives and masters of foreign vessels calling at Cyprus ports of their obligations under the Merchant Shipping (Community Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System) Law of 2004 as amended and the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Law of 2011.

Section 6 of the Merchant Shipping (Community Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System) Law of 2004 requires the notification of the anticipated arrival of the vessel at least twenty four hours prior to arrival or, if the voyage time is less than twenty four hours, at the time the ship leaves the previous port. Any amendments to the information should be notified accurately and without delay. An administrative fine of up to €8543 may be imposed for non-compliance.

Section 12 (1) of the Merchant Shipping (Port State Control) Law of 2011 provides that the operator, representative or master of any foreign vessel calling at a Cyprus ports which is liable to an expanded inspection as defined in section 17 of the Law should submit the relevant information at least seventy two hours prior to the vessel's arrival, or, if the voyage time is less than seventy two hours, at the time the ship leaves the previous port. The notification should make clear whether the vessel will enter port of the Republic or stay at anchorage. An administrative fine of up to €8550 may be imposed for non-compliance.

If the required seventy two hours' notice of arrival of a foreign vessel which is liable to an expanded inspection has not been given, the operator, representative and master must ensure that the vessel remains at the port or anchorage for seventy two hours after arrival so as to allow sufficient time to arrange the required expanded inspection. Failure to do so is as a criminal offence punishable with a fine of up to €8550, imprisonment for up to two years or both.

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