UAE Law and Practice Contributed by: Abdelhak Attalah and Ghassan Hidar, Attalah Legal Consultancy
register, which includes detailed information about ships such as type, size, classification, navigation purposes and sailing areas. The Cabinet may delegate the responsibility for creating and maintaining the register to a com - petent authority, and in such cases, that author - ity would assume the Ministry’s role. However, any changes or updates made to the register must be reported to the Ministry. Access to the ship’s records is generally restrict - ed to the ship-owners unless permission is granted through official channels or documen - tation from an authorised entity. 2. Marine Casualties and Owners’ Liability 2.1 International Conventions: Pollution and Wreck Removal The liability of owners and interested parties in events of pollution and wreck removal in the UAE is influenced by both international conventions and domestic legislation. Internationally, two key conventions address pollution and wreck removal: • the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC) establishes the civil liability of ship-owners for damage caused by oil pollution – this convention also includes related annexes and resolutions that set out the legal framework for liability and compensation; and • the International Convention Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties (Intervention Conven - tion) provides a legal basis for intervention in cases where oil pollution from ships threatens
the marine environment, outlining the powers and responsibilities of states to take action. Domestically, the ML governs the obligations of ship-owners and operators in relation to pol - lution and wreck removal. Specifically, Articles 221–234 address the responsibilities of ship- owners for the removal of maritime debris and related consequences. Article 233(3) of the ML ensures that the ship- owner or operator bears full responsibility for the costs and liabilities associated with pollution and wreck removal operations. 2.2 International Conventions: Collision and Salvage The liability of owners and interested parties in events of collision and salvage is governed by both international conventions and domestic laws. International Conventions International Regulations for Preventing Colli - sions at Sea (COLREGs) establish the rules for preventing collisions between ships. They pro - vide guidelines for safe navigation, ensuring that vessels take the necessary actions to avoid acci - dents while at sea. The International Convention on Salvage (1989) sets out the legal framework for the salvage of ships and their cargo. It addresses the rights and obligations of the parties involved in a salvage operation, including the entitlement to salvage rewards and the liabilities related to the salvage process. Domestic Legislation Under the ML, the UAE has established specific provisions concerning collisions and salvage. Articles 235–241 of the ML address the assis -
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