Spain - Pollution Prevention Measures

Mandatory Reporting for vessels in the Western European PSSA

In an earlier website article we reported that the West European Tanker Reporting System (WETREP) came into force in the Western European Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) on 1 July 2005.

A recent circular issued by INDECO reminds owners and operators that the Western European PSSA includes the the waters off the Galician and Cantabrian Coasts of Spain and that mandatory reporting applies to every kind of oil tanker of more than 600 tonnes deadweight carrying heavy fuel which sails in these waters.

Extended Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) off Capo De Gaba

IMO has approved amendment of the existing TSS. The proposed amendment will see vessels routed further away from the Spanish coast, between 17 and 21 miles South of the cape, to avoid collision with fishing vessels and to protect the Cabo de Gata National Park. The amendment will be submitted for to IMO for approval next year and is likely to enter into force in December 2006.

Canary Islands PSSA - New Traffic Lanes

IMO has approved the creation of "Associated Protective Measures" in the Canary Island PSSA. These Measures will involve the creation of:

• further TSSs between Tenerife and Gran Canaria and between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura
• five navigational zones to be avoided by ships in transit thought the archipelago
• a mandatory reporting system for ships in the area

Tankers carrying heavy fuels near coastlines will be monitored.

These measures are also expected to come into force in December 2006.

Details of the TSS proposals and other measures can be seen on the Ministry of Transport website.

Non-compliance

Failure to comply with any of these measures amounts to an infraction of Spanish Ports and Merchant Marine Law and could result in detention of a vessel, proceedings and fines. Vessels can only be released on provision of a guarantee which, currently, does not include Club Letters. Click here for information on the forms of guarantee which are acceptable in Spain.