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中華人民共和國主席令（六屆第7號）
《中華人民共和國海上交通安全法》已由中華人民共和國第六屆全國人民代表大會常務(wù)委員會第二次會議于1983年9月2日通過，現(xiàn)予公布。自1984年1月1日起施行。
中華人民共和國主席 李先念 1983年9月2日
中華人民共和國海上交通安全法
（1983年9月2日第六屆全國人民代表大會常務(wù)委員會第二次會議通過 1983年9月2日中華人民共和國主席令第七號公布 自1984年1月1日起施行）
第一章 總 則 第一條 為加強海上交通管理，保障船舶、設(shè)施和人命財產(chǎn)的安全，維護(hù)國家權(quán)益，特制定本法。 第二條 本法適用于在中華人民共和國沿海水域航行、停泊和作業(yè)的一切船舶、設(shè)施和人員以及船舶、設(shè)施的所有人、經(jīng)營人。 第三條 中華人民共和國港務(wù)監(jiān)督機(jī)構(gòu)，是對沿海水域的交通安全實施統(tǒng)一監(jiān)督管理的主管機(jī)關(guān)。 第二章 船舶檢驗和登記 第四條 船舶和船上有關(guān)航行安全的重要設(shè)備必須具有船舶檢驗部門簽發(fā)的有效技術(shù)證書。 第五條 船舶必須持有船舶國籍證書，或船舶登記證書，或船舶執(zhí)照。 第三章 船舶、設(shè)施上的人員 第六條 船舶應(yīng)當(dāng)按照標(biāo)準(zhǔn)定額配備足以保證船舶安全的合格船員。 第七條 船長、輪機(jī)長、駕駛員、輪機(jī)員、無線電報務(wù)員話務(wù)員以及水上飛機(jī)、潛水器的相應(yīng)人員，必須持有合格的職務(wù)證書。 其他船員必須經(jīng)過相應(yīng)的專業(yè)技術(shù)訓(xùn)練。 第八條 設(shè)施應(yīng)當(dāng)按照國家規(guī)定，配備掌握避碰、信號、通信、消防、救生等專業(yè)技能的人員。 第九條 船舶、設(shè)施上的人員必須遵守有關(guān)海上交通安全的規(guī)章制度和操作規(guī)程，保障船舶、設(shè)施航行、停泊和作業(yè)的安全。 第四章 航行、停泊和作業(yè) 第十條 船舶、設(shè)施航行、停泊和作業(yè)，必須遵守中華人民共和國的有關(guān)法律、行政法規(guī)和規(guī)章。 第十一條 外國籍非軍用船舶，未經(jīng)主管機(jī)關(guān)批準(zhǔn)，不得進(jìn)入中華人民共和國的內(nèi)水和港口。但是，因人員病急、機(jī)件故障、遇難、避風(fēng)等意外情況，未及獲得批準(zhǔn)，可以在進(jìn)入的同時向主管機(jī)關(guān)緊急報告，并聽從指揮。 外國籍軍用船舶，未經(jīng)中華人民共和國政府批準(zhǔn)，不得進(jìn)入中華人民共和國領(lǐng)海。 第十二條 國際航行船舶進(jìn)出中華人民共和國港口，必須接受主管機(jī)關(guān)的檢查。本國籍國內(nèi)航行船舶進(jìn)出港口，必須辦理進(jìn)出港簽證。 第十三條 外國籍船舶進(jìn)出中華人民共和國港口或者在港內(nèi)航行、移泊以及靠離港外系泊點、裝卸站等，必須由主管機(jī)關(guān)指派引航員引航。 第十四條 船舶進(jìn)出港口或者通過交通管制區(qū)、通航密集區(qū)和航行條件受到限制的區(qū)域時，必須遵守中華人民共和國政府或主管機(jī)關(guān)公布的特別規(guī)定。 第十五條 除經(jīng)主管機(jī)關(guān)特別許可外，禁止船舶進(jìn)入或穿越禁航區(qū)。 第十六條 大型設(shè)施和移動式平臺的海上拖帶，必須經(jīng)船舶檢驗部門進(jìn)行拖航檢驗，并報主管機(jī)關(guān)核準(zhǔn)。 第十七條 主管機(jī)關(guān)發(fā)現(xiàn)船舶的實際狀況同證書所載不相符合時，有權(quán)責(zé)成其申請重新檢驗或者通知其所有人、經(jīng)營人采取有效的安全措施。 第十八條 主管機(jī)關(guān)認(rèn)為船舶對港口安全具有威脅時，有權(quán)禁止其進(jìn)港或令其離港。 第十九條 船舶、設(shè)施有下列情況之一的，主管機(jī)關(guān)有權(quán)禁止其離港，或令其停航、改航、停止作業(yè)： 一、違反中華人民共和國有關(guān)的法律、行政法規(guī)或規(guī)章； 二、處于不適航或不適拖狀態(tài)； 三、發(fā)生交通事故，手續(xù)未清； 四、未向主管機(jī)關(guān)或有關(guān)部門交付應(yīng)承擔(dān)的費用，也未提供適當(dāng)?shù)膿?dān)保； 五、主管機(jī)關(guān)認(rèn)為有其他妨害或者可能妨害海上交通安全的情況。 第五章 安全保障 第二十條 在沿海水域進(jìn)行水上水下施工以及劃定相應(yīng)的安全作業(yè)區(qū)，必須報經(jīng)主管機(jī)關(guān)核準(zhǔn)公告。無關(guān)的船舶不得進(jìn)入安全作業(yè)區(qū)。施工單位不得擅自擴(kuò)大安全作業(yè)區(qū)的范圍。 在港區(qū)內(nèi)使用岸線或者進(jìn)行水上水下施工包括架空施工，還必須附圖報經(jīng)主管機(jī)關(guān)審核同意。 第二十一條 在沿海水域劃定禁航區(qū)，必須經(jīng)國務(wù)院或主管機(jī)關(guān)批準(zhǔn)。但是，為軍事需要劃定禁航區(qū)，可以由國家軍事主管部門批準(zhǔn)。 禁航區(qū)由主管機(jī)關(guān)公布。 第二十二條 未經(jīng)主管機(jī)關(guān)批準(zhǔn)，不得在港區(qū)、錨地、航 道、通航密集區(qū)以及主管機(jī)關(guān)公布的航路內(nèi)設(shè)置、構(gòu)筑設(shè)施或者進(jìn)行其他有礙航行安全的活動。 對在上述區(qū)域內(nèi)擅自設(shè)置、構(gòu)筑的設(shè)施，主管機(jī)關(guān)有權(quán)責(zé)令其所有人限期搬遷或拆除。 第二十三條 禁止損壞助航標(biāo)志和導(dǎo)航設(shè)施。損壞助航標(biāo)志或?qū)Ш皆O(shè)施的，應(yīng)當(dāng)立即向主管機(jī)關(guān)報告，并承擔(dān)賠償責(zé)任。 第二十四條 船舶、設(shè)施發(fā)現(xiàn)下列情況，應(yīng)當(dāng)迅速報告主管機(jī)關(guān)： 一、助航標(biāo)志或?qū)Ш皆O(shè)施變異、失常； 二、有妨礙航行安全的障礙物、漂流物； 三、其他有礙航行安全的異常情況。 第二十五條 航標(biāo)周圍不得建造或設(shè)置影響其工作效能的障礙物。航標(biāo)和航道附近有礙航行安全的燈光，應(yīng)當(dāng)妥善遮蔽。 第二十六條 設(shè)施的搬遷、拆除，沉船沉物的打撈清除，水下工程的善后處理，都不得遺留有礙航行和作業(yè)安全的隱患。在未妥善處理前，其所有人或經(jīng)營人必須負(fù)責(zé)設(shè)置規(guī)定的標(biāo)志，并將礙航物的名稱、形狀、尺寸、位置和深度準(zhǔn)確地報告主管機(jī)關(guān)。 第二十七條 港口碼頭、港外系泊點、裝卸站和船閘，應(yīng)當(dāng)加強安全管理，保持良好狀態(tài)。 第二十八條 主管機(jī)關(guān)根據(jù)海上交通安全的需要，確定、調(diào)整交通管制區(qū)和港口錨地。港外錨地的劃定，由主管機(jī)關(guān)報上級機(jī)關(guān)批準(zhǔn)后公告。 第二十九條 主管機(jī)關(guān)按照國家規(guī)定，負(fù)責(zé)統(tǒng)一發(fā)布航行警告和航行通告。 第三十條 為保障航行、停泊和作業(yè)的安全，有關(guān)部門應(yīng)當(dāng)保持通信聯(lián)絡(luò)暢通，保持助航標(biāo)志、導(dǎo)航設(shè)施明顯有效，及時提供海洋氣象預(yù)報和必要的航海圖書資料。 第三十一條 船舶、設(shè)施發(fā)生事故，對交通安全造成或者可能造成危害時，主管機(jī)關(guān)有權(quán)采取必要的強制性處置措施。 第六章 危險貨物運輸 第三十二條 船舶、設(shè)施儲存、裝卸、運輸危險貨物，必須具備安全可靠的設(shè)備和條件，遵守國家關(guān)于危險貨物管理和運輸?shù)囊?guī)定。 第三十三條 船舶裝運危險貨物，必須向主管機(jī)關(guān)辦理申報手續(xù)，經(jīng)批準(zhǔn)后，方可進(jìn)出港口或裝卸。 第七章 海難救助 第三十四條 船舶、設(shè)施或飛機(jī)遇難時，除發(fā)出呼救信號外，還應(yīng)當(dāng)以最迅速的方式將出事時間、地點、受損情況、救助要求以及發(fā)生事故的原因，向主管機(jī)關(guān)報告。 第三十五條 遇難船舶、設(shè)施或飛機(jī)及其所有人、經(jīng)營人應(yīng)當(dāng)采取一切有效措施組織自救。 第三十六條 事故現(xiàn)場附近的船舶、設(shè)施，收到求救信號或發(fā)現(xiàn)有人遭遇生命危險時，在不嚴(yán)重危及自身安全的情況下，應(yīng)當(dāng)盡力救助遇難人員，并迅速向主管機(jī)關(guān)報告現(xiàn)場情況和本船舶、設(shè)施的名稱、呼號和位置。 第三十七條 發(fā)生碰撞事故的船舶、設(shè)施，應(yīng)當(dāng)互通名稱、國籍和登記港，并盡一切可能救助遇難人員。在不嚴(yán)重危及自身安全的情況下，當(dāng)事船舶不得擅自離開事故現(xiàn)場。 第三十八條 主管機(jī)關(guān)接到求救報告后，應(yīng)當(dāng)立即組織救助。有關(guān)單位和在事故現(xiàn)場附近的船舶、設(shè)施，必須聽從主管機(jī)關(guān)的統(tǒng)一指揮。 第三十九條 外國派遣船舶或飛機(jī)進(jìn)入中華人民共和國領(lǐng)海或領(lǐng)海上空搜尋救助遇難的船舶或人員，必須經(jīng)主管機(jī)關(guān)批準(zhǔn)。 第八章 打撈清除 第四十條 對影響安全航行、航道整治以及有潛在爆炸危險的沉沒物、漂浮物，其所有人、經(jīng)營人應(yīng)當(dāng)在主管機(jī)關(guān)限定的時間內(nèi)打撈清除。否則，主管機(jī)關(guān)有權(quán)采取措施強制打撈清除，其全部費用由沉沒物、漂浮物的所有人、經(jīng)營人承擔(dān)。 本條規(guī)定不影響沉沒物、漂浮物的所有人、經(jīng)營人向第三方索賠的權(quán)利。 第四十一條 未經(jīng)主管機(jī)關(guān)批準(zhǔn)，不得擅自打撈或拆除沿海水域內(nèi)的沉船沉物。 第九章 交通事故的調(diào)查處理 第四十二條 船舶、設(shè)施發(fā)生交通事故，應(yīng)當(dāng)向主管機(jī)關(guān)遞交事故報告書和有關(guān)資料，并接受調(diào)查處理。 事故的當(dāng)事人和有關(guān)人員，在接受主管機(jī)關(guān)調(diào)查時，必須如實提供現(xiàn)場情況和與事故有關(guān)的情節(jié)。 第四十三條 船舶、設(shè)施發(fā)生的交通事故，由主管機(jī)關(guān)查明原因，判明責(zé)任。 第十章 法律責(zé)任 第四十四條 對違反本法的，主管機(jī)關(guān)可視情節(jié)，給予下列一種或幾種處罰： 一、警告； 二、扣留或吊銷職務(wù)證書； 三、罰款。 第四十五條 當(dāng)事人對主管機(jī)關(guān)給予的罰款、吊銷職務(wù)證書處罰不服的，可以在接到處罰通知之日起十五天內(nèi)，向人民法院起訴；期滿不起訴又不履行的，由主管機(jī)關(guān)申請人民法院強制執(zhí)行。 第四十六條 因海上交通事故引起的民事糾紛，可以由主管機(jī)關(guān)調(diào)解處理，不愿意調(diào)解或調(diào)解不成的，當(dāng)事人可以向人民法院起訴；涉外案件的當(dāng)事人，還可以根據(jù)書面協(xié)議提交仲裁機(jī)構(gòu)仲裁。 第四十七條 對違反本法構(gòu)成犯罪的人員，由司法機(jī)關(guān)依法追究刑事責(zé)任。 第十一章 特別規(guī)定 第四十八條 國家漁政漁港監(jiān)督管理機(jī)構(gòu)，在以漁業(yè)為主的漁港水域內(nèi)，行使本法規(guī)定的主管機(jī)關(guān)的職權(quán)，負(fù)責(zé)交通安全的監(jiān)督管理，并負(fù)責(zé)沿海水域漁業(yè)船舶之間的交通事故的調(diào)查處理。具體實施辦法由國務(wù)院另行規(guī)定。 第四十九條 海上軍事管轄區(qū)和軍用船舶、設(shè)施的內(nèi)部管理，為軍事目的進(jìn)行水上水下作業(yè)的管理，以及公安船舶的檢驗登記、人員配備、進(jìn)出港簽證，由國家有關(guān)主管部門依據(jù)本法另行規(guī)定。 第十二章 附 則 第五十條 本法下列用語的含義是： “沿海水域”是指中華人民共和國沿海的港口、內(nèi)水和領(lǐng)海以及國家管轄的一切其他海域。 “船舶”是指各類排水或非排水船、筏、水上飛機(jī)、潛水器和移動式平臺。 “設(shè)施”是指水上水下各種固定或浮動建筑、裝置和固定平臺。 “作業(yè)”是指在沿海水域調(diào)查、勘探、開采、測量、建筑、疏浚、爆破、救助、打撈、拖帶、捕撈、養(yǎng)殖、裝卸、科學(xué)試驗和其他水上水下施工。 第五十一條 國務(wù)院主管部門依據(jù)本法，制定實施細(xì)則，報國務(wù)院批準(zhǔn)施行。 第五十二條 過去頒布的海上交通安全法規(guī)與本法相抵觸的，以本法為準(zhǔn)。 第五十三條 本法自１９８４年１月１日起施行。
MARITIME TRAFFIC SAFETY LAW OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Important Notice: (注意事項) 英文本源自中華人民共和國務(wù)院法制局編譯, 中國法制出版社出版的《中華人民 共和國涉外法規(guī)匯編》(1991年7月版). 當(dāng)發(fā)生歧意時, 應(yīng)以法律法規(guī)頒布單位發(fā)布的中文原文為準(zhǔn). This English document is coming from the "LAWS AND REGULATIONS OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA GOVERNING FOREIGN-RELATED MATTERS" (1991.7) which is compiled by the Brueau of Legislative Affairs of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and is published by the China Legal System Publishing House. In case of discrepancy, the original version in Chinese shall prevail.
Whole Document (法規(guī)全文) MARITIME TRAFFIC SAFETY LAW OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (Adopted at the Second Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Sixth National People's Congress, promulgated by Order No. 7 of the President of the People's Republic of China on September 2, 1983, and effective as of January, 1, 1984) Contents Chapter I General Provisions Chapter II Inspection and Registration of Vessels Chapter III Personnel on Vessels and Installations Chapter IV Navigation, Berthing and Operations Chapter V Safety Protection Chapter VI Transport of Dangerous Goods Chapter VII Rescue from Disasters at Sea Chapter VIII Salvage and Removal of Sunken and Drifting Objects Chapter IX Investigation and Handling of Traffic Accidents Chapter X Legal Liability Chapter XI Special Provisions Chapter XII Supplementary Provisions
Chapter I General Provisions Article 1 This law is formulated in order to strengthen the control of maritime traffic; ensure the safety of vessels, installations, human life and property; and safeguard the rights and interests of the state. Article 2 This Law shall apply to all vessels, installations and personnel and to the owners and managers of such vessels and installations that navigate, berth or operate in the coastal waters of the People's Republic of China. Article 3 The harbour superintendence agencies of the People's Republic of China shall be the competent authorities responsible for the unified supervision and administration of traffic safety in the coastal waters.
Chapter II Inspection and Registration of Vessels Article 4 Vessels and their major equipment relating to navigation safety must have valid technical certificates issued by vessel inspection departments. Article 5 A vessel must have a certificates showing its nationality, a vessel registry certificate or a vessel licence.
Chapter III Personnel on Vessels and Installations Article 6 Vessels shall be manned with qualified crew members according to a standard quota to ensure the vessels' safety. Article 7 The captain, chief engineer, pilot, engineers, radio and telephone operators and similar personnel on board seaplanes or submersibles must hold valid job certificates. All other crew members must undergo specialized technical training required for their work. Article 8 In accordance with state provisions, all installations shall be provided with personnel who have mastered the techniques of collision avoidance, signalling, communications, fire control, life-saving and other operations. Article 9 All personnel on vessels and installations must observe relevant rules and regulations concerning maritime traffic safety, follow the operating rules and ensure the safety of the vessels and installations in navigation, berthing and operations.
Chapter IV Navigation, Berthing and Operations Article 10 While navigating, berthing or carrying out operations, vessels and installations must abide by the relevant laws, administrative statutes and rules and regulations of the People's Republic of China. Article 11 Non-military vessels of foreign nationality may not enter the internal waters and harbours of the People's Republic of China without the approval of its competent authorities. However, under unexpected circumstances such as critical illness of personnel, engine breakdown or the vessels being in distress or seeking shelter from weather when they do not have the time to obtain approval, they may, while entering China's internal waters of harbour, make an emergency report to the competent authorities and shall obey its directions. Military vessels of foreign nationality may not enter the territorial waters of the People's Republic of China without the approval of the Government of the People's Republic of China. Article 12 Vessels sailing on international routes that enter and leave the harbours of the People's Republic of China must accept inspection by the competent authorities. Vessels of Chinese nationality sailing on domestic routes that enter and leave such harbours must obtain port entry and departure visas. Article 13 Vessels of foreign nationality entering and leaving a harbour of the People's Republic of China, navigating or shifting berths in the harbour area, or approaching or leaving mooring points or loading spots outside the harbour must be navigated by a pilot designated by the competent authorities. Article 14 When entering or leaving harbours or passing through controlled traffic areas, crowded navigable areas or areas where navigational conditions are restricted, vessels must observe the special regulations promulgated by the Government of the People's Republic of China or by the competent authorities. Article 15 Vessels shall be prohibited from entering or passing through restricted navigation zones unless specially permitted by the competent authorities. Article 16 Towing operations on the open sea involving large-sized installations and mobile platforms must undergo towing inspection conducted by vessel inspection departments and be reported to the competent authorities for examination and approval. Article 17 If the competent authorities finds the actual condition of a vessel to be not in conformity with what is stated in the vessel's certificates, it shall have the right to require the vessel to apply for a new inspection or notify its owner or manager to adopt effective safety measures. Article 18 If the competent authorities believes that a vessel presents a menace to the safety of a harbour, it shall have the right to forbid the vessel from entering the harbour or to order it to leave the harbour. Article 19 The competent authorities shall have the right to forbid a vessel or an installation from leaving the harbour or order it to suspend its voyage, change its route or cease its operations under any one of the following circumstances: (1) if it violates any law, administrative statute or other rule or regulation of the People's Republic of China; (2) if it is in a condition unsuitable for navigation or towing; (3) if it was involved in a traffic accident and has not completed the necessary formalities; (4) if it has not paid the fees that are due or furnished appropriate security to the competent authorities or the department concerned: or (5) if the competent authorities considers that there are other circumstances that will jeopardize or might jeopardize maritime traffic safety.
Chapter V Safety Protection Article 20 Construction operations to be carried out on the surface or underwater in coastal waters and the demarcation of corresponding safe operation zones must be reported to the competent authorities for examination and approval and must be publicly announced. Vessels not involved in the construction project may not enter the safe operation zones. The construction unit may not enlarge such zones without authorization. When shore lines are to be used in harbour areas or when construction work, including overhead operations, is to be carried out on the sea surface or underwater in such areas, the plan and a drawing thereof must be submitted to the competent authorities for examination and approval. Article 21 The designation of restricted navigation zones in coastal waters must be approved by the State Council or the competent authorities. However, the designation of restricted navigation zones for military purposes shall be approved by the competent department of the state in charge of military affairs. The restricted navigation zones shall be announced by the competent authorities. Article 22 Without the approval of the competent authorities, no installations may be established or constructed, nor may any activities that hinder navigational safety be carried out in harbour areas, anchorages, navigation lanes, or crowded navigable areas, as well as in navigation routes announced by the competent authorities. With respect to any installations which have been established or constructed in the above-mentioned areas without authorization, the competent authorities shall have the right to order their owners to remove or dismantle the installations within a given period of time. Article 23 It shall be forbidden to damage navigation aids or navigational facilities. Whoever has damaged navigation aids or navigational facilities shall immediately report the damage to the competent authorities and be liable for compensation. Article 24 Vessels and installations shall promptly make a report to the competent authorities if they discover any of the following situations: (1) If navigation aids or navigational facilities malfunction or become abnormal; (2) if an obstacle or drifting object jeopardizing the safety of navigation is discovered; or (3) if there are other abnormal situations jeopardizing the safety of navigation. Article 25 No obstacle affecting the efficacy of navigation aids may be erected or installed in areas surrounding the aids. Any lights in the vicinity of the navigation aids or navigational lanes that jeopardize navigation safety shall be properly screened. Article 26 When removing or dismantling installations, salvaging or removing sunken ships or objects, and handling the finishing operations of underwater projects, no hidden dangers shall be left to menace navigational or operational safety. Before the aforesaid operations have been properly completed, their owners or managers must be responsible for erecting markers as required and making an accurate report to the competent authority on the type, shape, size and location of the obstacle and the depth of water over it. Article 27 Safety administration must be strengthened with respect to harbour wharves, mooring points and loading spots outside of harbour areas as well as ship locks, so that they are always kept in good condition. Article 28 To meet the requirements of maritime traffic safety, the competent authority shall fix and adjust traffic control areas and harbour anchorages. The designation of anchorages outside of harbour areas shall be announced by the competent authority after the report relative thereto has been submitted to and approved by higher authorities. Article 29 The competent authorities shall, in accordance with relevant provisions of the state, be responsible for issuing navigational warnings and navigational notices. Article 30 In order to ensure the safety of navigation, berthing and operations, the departments concerned shall maintain unimpeded communications facilities, ensure distinct and effective navigation aids and navigational facilities and, in a timely manner, provide offshore meteorological forecasts and necessary books and reference materials concerning maritime navigation. Article 31 When vessels and installations are involved in accidents that jeopardize or may jeopardize traffic safety, the competent authorities shall have the right to take necessary, compulsory measures to deal with the matter.
Chapter VI Transport of Dangerous Goods Article 32 When vessels or installations store, load, unload or transport dangerous goods, they must maintain safe and reliable equipment and conditions and observe the state provisions governing the control and transport of dangerous goods. Article 33 When vessels load and transport dangerous goods, they must go through the procedures for declaration to the competent authorities and they may not enter or leave the harbour or load or unload until approval has been obtained.
Chapter VII Rescue from Disasters at Sea Article 34 When vessels, installations or aircraft are in distress, they shall, in addition to issuing distress signals calling for help, use the quickest method possible to report to the competent authorities the time and place of the accident, the extent of damage, the assistance required and the cause of the accident. Article 35 Vessels, installations or aircraft in distress and their owners or mangers shall take all effective measures to organize their own rescue efforts. Article 36 When vessels or installations in the vicinity of the scene of an accident receive a distress signal or discover that people's lives are endangered, they shall do their best to rescue the people in distress insofar as their own safety is not seriously endangered, and promptly report to the competent authorities the situation at the scene, their own names, call numbers and positions. Article 37 Vessels or installations involved in a collision shall exchange their names, nationalities and ports of registry and do their best to rescue personnel in distress. The vessels involved may not leave the scene of the accident without authorization, insofar as their own safety is not seriously endangered. Article 38 Upon receiving a request for rescue, the competent authorities shall immediately organize a rescue operation. All units concerned and vessels or installations in the vicinity of the scene must act under the orders of the competent authorities. Article 39 When a foreign country intends to dispatch vessels or aircraft into the territorial waters or the airspace over the territorial waters of the People's Republic of China to search for and rescue vessels or people in distress, it must obtain the approval of the competent [Chinese] authorities.
Chapter VIII Salvage and Removal of Sunken and Drifting Objects Article 40 With respect to sunken or drifting objects that may affect the safety of navigation and the management of navigation lanes, as well as those constituting a threat of explosion, the owners or managers thereof shall salvage and remove such objects within a deadline set by the competent authorities. Otherwise, the competent authorities shall have the right to take measures to compel the salvage and removal of the objects, and their owners or managers shall bear all the expenses incurred thereby. The provisions of this Article shall not prejudice the rights of the owners or managers of the sunken or drifting objects to demand compensation from third parties. Article 41 No sunken vessels or sunken objects in the coastal waters may be salvaged or dismantled without the approval of the competent authorities.
Chapter IX Investigation and Handling of Traffic Accidents Article 42 Any vessel or installation involved in a traffic accident shall submit a written accident report and relative materials to the competent authorities and accept its investigation and handling of the accident. While being investigated by the competent authorities the parties involved in the accident and relevant personnel must give a truthful account of circumstances at the scene of the accident and other relevant information. Article 43 In the event of a traffic accident that involves a vessel or installation, the competent authorities shall ascertain the cause of the accident and fix the responsibility for it.
Chapter X Legal Liability Article 44 The competent authorities shall, in the light of the circumstances, impose one or more of the following penalties on anyone who violates this Law: (1) warnings; (2) withholding or revoking work certificates; or (3) fines. Article 45 If a party does not accept the penalty of a fine or revocation of his work certificate imposed by the competent authorities, he may bring suit in a people's court within 15 days after receiving notification of the penalty. If he neither brings suit nor complies with the penalty upon the expiration of that period, the competent authorities shall request compulsory enforcement from the people's court. Article 46 A civil dispute arising from a maritime traffic accident may be settled through mediation by the competent authorities. If the parties are unwilling to have the case mediated or if the mediation is unsuccessful, the parties may bring suit in the people's court. Parties to a case involving foreign interests may also submit the case to an arbitration agency for mediation, in accordance with the written agreement concluded between them. Article 47 Those whose violation of this Law constitutes a crime shall be investigated for their criminal responsibility by judicial organs in accordance with the Law.
Chapter XI Special Provisions Article 48 Within the waters of fishing harbours, the state fisheries administration and fishing harbour superintendence agencies shall exercise the functions and powers of the competent authorities as provided in this Law, being responsible for the supervision and administration of traffic safety and for the investigation and handling of traffic accidents between fishing vessels in coastal waters. Concrete measures for implementation shall be separately prescribed by the State Council. Article 49 The internal administration of offshore military jurisdictional areas and military vessels and installations, the administration of surface and underwater operations carried out for military purposes, and the inspection and registration of public security vessels, the provision of their personnel and the issuing of their port entry and departure visas shall be separately prescribed by the relevant competent departments of the state in accordance with this Law.
Chapter XII Supplementary Provisions Article 50 For the purpose of this Law, the definitions of the following terms are: "Coastal waters" means the harbours, inland waters, territorial waters and all other sea areas under the jurisdiction of the state along the seacoast of the People's Republic of China. "Vessels" means all types of displacement or non-displacement ships, rafts, seaplanes, submersibles and mobile platforms. "Installations" means all types of surface and underwater structures or installations, whether fixed or floating, and fixed platforms. "Operations" means investigations, exploration, exploitation, survey construction, dredging, demolition, rescue, salvage, towing, fishing, aquatic breeding, loading and unloading, scientific experimentation and other surface and underwater operations. Article 51 The competent department of the State Council shall, on the basis of this Law, formulate rules for its implementation, which shall go into effect after being submitted to and approved by the State Council. Article 52 In cases of conflict between laws and regulations pertaining to maritime traffic safety hitherto promulgated and this Law, this Law shall prevail. Article 53 This Law shall go into effect on January 1, 1984.
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