The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions
at Sea 1972 (as amended) apply throughout the reporting area. In particular,
Rule 10 of those Regulations applies to the IMO-adopted TSS.
Ships carrying dangerous or hazardous cargoes and bound
to or from any port within the proposed reporting area must comply
with the European HAZMAT Directive (EC Directive 93/75).
In addition to these international requirements, the Joint
Decree of the Préfét Maritime de I'Atlantique and the
Préfét Maritime de la Manche et de la Mer du Nord (No.
92/97 - Brest, No. 03/97-Cherbourg) control navigation in the approaches
to the French coast in the North Sea, the English Channel and the
Atlantic in order to prevent accidental marine pollution. The Regulations
make provision, in particular, for ships transporting hydrocarbons
(MARPOL '73 Annex I), harmful liquid
substances (MARPOL Annex II), noxious
substances (MARPOL Annex III), dangerous
goods (IMDG Code), preparing to pass through or remain in French territorial
waters, to send an advance report to the appropriate CROSS five hours
before entering territorial waters, or six hours before departure.
The message sent to the CROSS must make clear the ship's intended
movements in territorial waters and the status of its ability to manoeuvre
and navigate.
The same Regulations require ships to monitor VHF Ch 16
or other specific frequencies in certain areas, and require the reporting
of any accident within 50 miles of the French coast and the taking
of any action required by the maritime authorities to reduce risks.
The United Kingdom has established a pollution control zone
under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution) (Limits) Regulations
1996. The proposed reporting area is included within those limits.
Ships causing pollution within the area can be prosecuted and fined
more than £250,000.