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On January 1, 2011, a number of new reporting requirements for ships came into force in Europe. SafeSeaNet is created at EU level to be the database to which vessel reports are made. Member States have implemented systems which collect and forward information to SafeSeaNet.

In Sweden, The Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) is responsible for creating and managing the Swedish system, SafeSeaNet Sweden. The Swedish Transport Agency is responsible for formulating rules on how the data shall be provided to the system. Relevant information regarding rules on ship reporting can be found in a number of directives.

In Sweden, these rules are incorporated in such a way that the master, ship-owner or (ship agent have the obligation to report information to SafeSeaNet Sweden. The directives also require Member States to introduce sanctions for those who fail to comply. In Sweden, the sanctions are imposed by the Ships´s Safety Act that states that those who do not report correctly can be fined or imprisoned up to six months.

Reporting of ATA/ATD

The rules on the reporting of ATA/ATD (actual arrival and departure time) have now been in force for just over four months. The SMA has noticed that the reporting rate is very low. During the first weeks, approximately 20 to 30 percent of the ships reported their actual arrival and departure. The reporting rate has improved slightly in recent weeks and the amount of correct notifications has increased to around 65 percent. This means that Sweden is not following the requirements of the Port State Control Directive. A continued low reporting rate may therefore result in a code of conduct violation case against Sweden and thus a risk of charges in EU court.

Further measures

SMA will, in the framework of its mandate, carry out a concentrated campaign and notify the ship agents and shipping companies who fail to report the ATA and ATD. There is therefore need for the authorities to once again communicate the importance of that reporting is carried out properly, particularly in dialogue with the Shipbrokers Association. SMA will also inform the shipping industry by regular newsletters.

Shipbrokers and ship-owners who fail to report will be contacted by SMA. If we notice repeated or serious failures to comply the issue will be forwarded to the Swedish Transport Agency with the possibility to instigate legal proceedings.

In spring, the SMA will develop and implement system solutions within the current budget. An example is to provide an opportunity for the individual master onboard or agent to report the ATA and ATD via SMS. Hopefully the technical solution will facilitate the reporting to some extent. It is our authorities hope that the reporting rate of ATA and ATD will continue to improve through such measures taken.

If you have any queries about the reporting obligation please contact Customer Service, +46 (0)11-19 15 40.

Updated: 2011-05-18