Operating in the global maritime industry requires strict adherence to a comprehensive framework of international regulations designed to ensure safety, security, and environmental protection. As a long-standing member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Georgia has integrated these critical international conventions into its national legal system, with enforcement overseen by the Maritime Transport Agency. Our firm provides essential legal services to shipowners, operators, and charterers to help them navigate the complex requirements of these regulations. We deliver proactive legal counsel to ensure that your vessels and management systems are fully compliant, thereby preventing costly vessel detentions during Port State Control inspections, avoiding regulatory fines, and eliminating operational disruptions.
The cornerstone of maritime safety is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which mandates minimum standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation. Our advisory services extend beyond simple certification to the practical implementation of its most critical components, including the International Safety Management (ISM) Code for safe ship management and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code for security measures. We assist clients in developing and auditing their safety and security management systems, ensuring all documentation is flawlessly prepared for the rigorous Port State Control inspections conducted under the Black Sea MoU framework.
Beyond safety, environmental protection is governed by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). We guide clients through MARPOL's six technical annexes, advising on compliance with complex regulations concerning oil pollution, noxious liquid substances, sewage, garbage, and crucially, air emissions, including sulphur limits. Furthermore, we provide indispensable legal support concerning the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) convention and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), both ratified by Georgia to protect seafarers' rights and ensure crew competence. Our firm’s expertise ensures that your crewing, operational, and technical management aligns seamlessly with both Georgian national law and the full spectrum of binding international maritime regulations.
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