Reporting Requirements for Foreign-flagged Ships Entering Chinese Internal Waters in Emergency Situations

Members are advised that the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has recently announced mandatory reporting requirements for foreign-flagged vessels intending to enter Chinese internal waters under emergency situations, such as illness, mechanical failure, distress, and adverse weather conditions, effective from 1 March 2025.

As per the circular issued by the Club’s local correspondents in China (Huatai Marine), the reporting shall be done through any of the following methods: marine radiotelephony, DSC on VHF, MF and HF, marine satellite telephone, wired telephone, fax, the national hotline number (12395), or other effective means.

The content of the report should include the following information:

• Ship’s name, IMO number, call sign, flag, ship type, and contact information.
• Shipowner, operator, and manager.
• Ship’s position, course, speed, and planned navigation routes.
• Estimated entry and departure time.
• Main dimensions and drafts.
• Number of crew and passengers onboard and their health conditions, and the number of persons in distress, illness, or casualties.
• Cargo information, including the official names, UN numbers, pollution categories, and quantities of the dangerous goods.
• Direct cause of the emergency entry, measures taken, and assistance required.
• The Emergency Report Form (as set out in the appendix of the circular), which shall be submitted as a supplement as soon as the ship enters Chinese internal waters.

If the ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) is not working properly, the following information shall also be reported every hour until the ship leaves Chinese internal waters or until a permit is obtained:

• Name of ship, call sign, and IMO number.
• Current ship position, intended course, and speed.

The circular also mentions that such ships shall be subject to the instructions and supervision of the maritime administration authorities of China. The maritime administration authorities have the right to take actions according to relevant laws, regulations, and rules in case a ship fails to report as requested or refuses to follow their instructions or supervision.