In the case of the containership MSC Napoli, the vessel was beached on the south coast of England to prevent it from sinking. Unfortunately, the environment at risk was the “World Heritage Coastline” of Lyme Bay. This case revealed, in sharp relief, the dilemma surrounding places of refuge. Many are ideal from the operational standpoint, unless something goes wrong during the salvage.

Significantly, perhaps, the UK is one of a number of EU states which have declared their entire coastlines as a place of refuge, so neatly sidestepping the political problems which tend to arise when locations are designated (as required under a relatively recent EU Marine Directive).

International Salvage Union President Hans van Rooij said, ‘These problems tend to be of a political nature and they are extremely difficult to resolve. This helps to explain why the IMO fast tracked its post-Prestige initiative and introduced the International Guidelines on Places of Refuge. We believe they were right to do so, but we also believe that these Guidelines do not go far enough.

‘We now intend to present broader based guidelines for IMO consideration. They will deal with places of refuge, but will also address the many other factors which need to be considered when dealing with casualty response.’

Richard Hill, a consultant to the Maritime Safety Umbrella Operation (MSUO), is to produce the draft guidelines on casualty management. Hans van Rooij says, ‘In working with the MSUO, we want to draw on best practice in marine casualty management, by integrating provisions in existing recommendations, resolutions, guidelines, codes and other instruments. Our aim is to produce a single, concise and all embracing statement of best practice, for the benefit of seafarers, shipowners and Coastal States.’

The ISU/MSUO project to produce new guidelines is now taking shape. When completed, the draft will be circulated for industry and governmental/intergovernmental comment. The key issues to emerge will be addressed at a planned ISU/MSUO seminar on ‘Preparedness, Response and Casualty Management.’

In addition the Bahamas Government is promoting Guidelines on the Control of Ships in an Emergency, which have already been submitted to the IMO’s Committee on Search and Rescue, (COMSAR). These Guidelines have the full support of the ISU.