The Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs has advised our local corespondents of the following additional restrictions on the return of Tanzanian stowaways from abroad.
We have recently been made aware of a disturbing incident in international waters off Guinea Bissau. A small bitumen carrier, on passage from Abidjan to Nouakchott, was detained by military force in position Lat 10 32 N Long 16 51 W for alleged pollution.
The USCG issued on May 17th, 1999 (Federal Register) the interim rule to implement the National Invasive Species Act of 1996. The rule establishes mandatory reporting and voluntary guidelines on ballast water management for nearly all vessels entering waters of the United States.
We have frequently reminded Members of the strict watch maintained by the German Harbour Police Authorities in connection with oil record books. This watch is maintained so that action can be taken against crews suspected of disposing of oil sludge illegally. The Harbour Police adopt a similar approach in connection with garbage disposal record books. The authorities also wish to prevent the illegal disposal of garbage from ships and to ensure disposal is only made through officially licensed companies.
Members' attention is drawn to some recent changes to the International Transport Workers Federation standard crew contract for use on board so called "flag of convenience" vessels as well as in other affiliated union contracts.