1. Legal Framework and Authorities
- Primary Legislation:
- Taiwan Port Act (Article 16-42, revised 2023)
- Maritime Safety Act (Chapter III, 2022 edition)
- International Conventions:
- SOLAS 1974 (2021 Amendments)
- MARPOL Annexes I-VI (2023 consolidated edition)
- ISPS Code (2004 with 2022 revisions)
- Enforcement Agencies:
- Mailiao Port Authority (MPA)
- Taiwan Maritime and Port Bureau (TMPB)
- Coast Guard Administration (CGA)
2. Vessel Compliance Requirements
| Category | Requirement | Verification Method | Penalty for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Documentation |
|
Pre-arrival digital submission + physical inspection | $5,000-20,000 + possible detention |
| Safety Equipment |
|
Onboard testing + service records review | $3,000-15,000 + repair order |
| Environmental |
|
Document review + sampling + CEMS data analysis | $10,000-50,000 + possible prosecution |
| Security |
|
ISPS compliance checklist + system tests | $8,000-25,000 + delayed clearance |
3. Operational Regulations
- Navigation Rules:
- Speed limits:
- Main channel: 10 knots max
- Turning basin: 5 knots max
- Berthing area: 3 knots max
- Right of way:
- Outbound vessels have priority
- VLCCs in transit get right of way
- Fishing vessels in designated lanes
- Overtaking prohibited in:
- Channel bends (Markers 3-7)
- Within 0.5nm of LNG terminal
- During restricted visibility (<1nm)
- Speed limits:
- Anchoring Procedures:
- Anchorage allocation:
Anchorage Max LOA Max Draft Usage A1 250m 18m General A2 300m 22m VLCCs A3 200m 15m Hazardous - Anchor watch requirements:
- Continuous deck watch
- Position plotting every 15 minutes
- VHF monitoring on Ch.16/12
- Anchorage allocation:
- Cargo Operations:
- Dangerous goods handling:
IMDG Class Pre-Notice Special Requirements 1 96h Armed guard 2.1 72h Gas-free cert 7 120h Radiation plan - Bulk cargo verification:
- Coal: TML ≤80%, moisture ≤12%
- Iron ore: ≤10% moisture
- Grain: Fumigation certificate
- Dangerous goods handling:
4. Enforcement Mechanisms
| Violation Type | Inspection Frequency | Corrective Action | Legal Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Deficiencies | 100% for:
|
|
|
| Environmental Breaches | Random 15% + all:
|
|
|
| Operational Violations | 30% random + all:
|
|
|
5. Port State Control Inspection Regime
- Targeting System:
- Scoring matrix:
Factor Points Age >15 years +5 Previous detentions +10 High-risk cargo +7 Black/Grey list flag +8 Inspection threshold ≥17
- Scoring matrix:
- Inspection Process:
- Phase 1: Initial document review (2 hours)
- Certificates validity
- Crew documentation
- Previous deficiencies
- Phase 2: Physical inspection (4-8 hours)
- LSA/FFA testing
- Engine room checks
- Bridge procedures
- Phase 3: Operational tests (if required)
- Emergency drills
- Ballast ops
- Cargo systems
- Phase 1: Initial document review (2 hours)
6. Penalty Structure and Appeals
| Violation Category | First Offense | Repeat Offense | Aggravating Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Violations | $5,000-20,000 | 2× base fine |
|
| Environmental Damage | $10,000-100,000 | 3× base fine |
|
| Operational Non-compliance | $3,000-15,000 | 1.5× base fine |
|
- Appeal Process:
- Stage 1: Administrative review
- 7 days to submit appeal
- MPA decision within 14 days
- Stage 2: Judicial review
- Maritime Court filing
- 120% bond requirement
- Average processing: 90 days
- Stage 1: Administrative review
