Are there Maritime Bureaus in China? What are their responsibilities?
On 27 October 1999, the State Council of the People's Republic of China issued a Notice in respect of establishment of Maritime Bureaus. Now, there are 20 maritime bureaus directly under the Ministry of Communications. They are scattered in coastal cities and major port cities in some Provinces, such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei. They can also set up branches, and may, if necessary, set up dispatching offices in relevant districts so as to perform their functions. The main responsibilities of a maritime bureau include:
1) administration of safety at water, 2) administration of navigation marks, 3) administration of safe communication at water, 4) prevention of pollution from ships and other administration duties, 4) registration of ships, 5) examination and approval of operation manuals and documents of ships, 6) auditing and supervision of the safety management system of shipowners, 7) training, examination and certification of crew, 8) emergency response to the safety management system of ship owners, 9) emergency response to pollution accidents as well as investigation and handling of serious navigation accidents, 10) Other assignments delegated by the Maritime Bureau of the People's Republic of China.
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