MSC 70/11/11
.2 instruction concerning the
basis, principles, rules and modalities in implementing
the Regulations for traffic order in the area of Istanbul
and Canakkale and the Sea of Marmara circulated by the
Note Verbale UKDH/II-1495 of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Turkey dated 28 November 1994;
.3 Rules and Recommendations
on Navigation through the Strait of Istanbul, the Strait
of Canakkale and the Mannara Sea brought into force by
IMO from 24 November 1994 by SN/Circ.166;
.4 the Strait of Istanbul and
the Marmara Sea and Strait of Canakkale Routeing Guide
No.9000 issued by the Department of Navigation.
Hydrography and Oceanography of Turkey which gives
explanations on implementing both the Regulations for
traffic order in the area of Istanbul and Canakkale and
the Sea of Marmara introduced by Turkey into effect from
1 July 1994 and the IMO Rules and Recommendations
introduced from 24 November 1994.
Naturally, when several sets
of rules on navigation, often contradicting each other, are
applied simultaneously in one area, it creates serious
difficulties for masters, shipowners and cargo owners and may
lead to serious consequences.
8 Since introduction of
regulations for navigation in the Straits by Turkey, from 1
July 1994 to 1 July 1998 512 ships owned by the Novorossiysk
Shipping Company alone, sailing under the Russian flag, were
detained due to suspension of two-way traffic and
introduetion of one-way traffic by the Turkish Authorities
(detentions due to bad visibility and weather are not
included). Enforced idleness of ships' operation is 2523
hours and the Company's losses constitute US$1,338,122. This
cannot be considered as an acceptable situation.
9 Pursuant to paragraph 5 of
resolution A.827(19), the forty-third session of the NAV
Sub-Committee reviewed, on the basis of submissions from
Governments, the operation of the IMO Rules and
Recommendations and the conditions in the Strait of lstanbul,
the Strait of Canakkale and the Marmara Sea and prepared a
report on these matters to the twentieth session of the
Assembly.
The Russian Federation
submitted to that session document NAV 43/3/1 which contained
a detailed analysis of the traffic situation in the Straits
and of several sets of rules on navigation being applied in
the area, and also proposed measures on improvement of safety
and efficiency of navigation and of marine environment
protection. It is still relevant and can be returned to if
necessary.
10 The results of consideration of
the Straits issue by the Sub-Committee at its forty-third
session are to be found in its report (NAV 43/15, annex 10
). The document included some of the Russian proposals on
the matter. At that time the Russian Federation did not
insist on several of its proposals (NAV 43/3/1) for the sake
of achieving a compromise in the spirit of IMO. But we still
consider that safety measures in the Straits should consist
of the amended TSSs in the area (annex 1 to annex 10 of NAV
43/15), the revised Rules and Recommendations (annex 2 to
annex 10) and recommendations addressed to the Government of
Turkey (annex 3 to annex 10) which hopefully will be
implemented.
11 Having noted the statement by the
Turkish delegation at MSC 69, the Russian Federation welcomes
Turkey's willingness to co-operate in the new IMO effort to
ensure the safety and efficiency of navigation in the
Straits, its willingness to review its national regulations
and its efforts to establish a modern VTS system for the
Strait of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Strait of
Canakkale.
I:/MSC/70/11-11.WPD
