Maritime Affairs Authority
Foundation :
Maritime Affairs Authority (MAA) commenced operations on 30 December 2001 as a statutory authority under the Presidential Decree (352) of 2001, .as a self- funded and with independent administration.
Objectives :
MAA is the national agency responsible for fulfilling the State’s duties in relation to the maritime affairs according to the relevant laws and legislations in force, represented in: Protection of Marine Environment Law no. 16 of 2004 and Maritime Law no. 15 of 1994. It is also charged with implementing international conventions and treaties to which the Republic of Yemen is party. It is also involved in participating, with other relevant authorities, in demarcating boundaries with neighboring countries. It is also responsible for the protection and combating of marine pollution. This involves: :
⦁ Regulating, monitoring and securing maritime shipping in accordance with international standards to enhance durability of Yemeni ports, as well as the navigational routes overseen by Yemen in the territorial and international waters, for the aim of improving the economic integration between Yemeni, regional and international ports and enhance trade, export and tourism activities and thus improve income, GDP and employment opportunities.
⦁ Protecting marine environment from pollution in accordance with international maritime requirements and standards to enhance fishing activities, export, tourism and improve income, GDP and employment opportunities.
⦁ Paving the way for establishing a Yemeni shipping fleet that would play a key role in boosting economic development and trade activity in the country.
⦁ Fulfilling the international requirements of inspecting and monitoring the implementation of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS Code) at Yemeni ports in such a way that would improve ship movement and enhance security level at Yemeni ports.
Function :
⦁ The implementation of international maritime conventions to which Yemen is party, maritime laws and marine environment protection laws and setting their national rules and regulations.
⦁ Monitoring ships in the territorial waters, exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf in accordance with the Maritime Law, and according to the Marine Environment Protection Law and international regulations and conventions in force.
⦁ Conducting port state control duties on foreign ships at Yemeni ports in accordance with international regulations, laws and conventions in force.
⦁ Issuing authorization letters to counterpart authorities in other countries and to international classification societies to carry out surveys, and issue necessary certificates to Yemeni ships in accordance with international conventions in force.
⦁ Issuing, approving, and recognizing certificates of competency for Yemeni masters, officers, engineers, and seamen in accordance with international rules, regulations and conventions in force.
⦁ Carrying out investigations in the case of marine accidents in accordance with international rules, regulations and conventions in force.
⦁ The coordination of search and rescue (SAR) operations of crew and passengers in the case of ships accidents within the Yemeni SAR region. This involves issuing salvage permits to operational ships that would rescue a ship and its cargo in that region.
⦁ Issuing permits for ships operating and conducting any type of business in the Yemeni territorial waters, exclusive economic zone and in the continental shelf. Without prejudice to MAA power MAA establishment decree and international laws and conventions in force, the followings are excluded:
⦁ Fishing activities, and
⦁ Marine exploration activities for oil and minerals from seabed.
⦁ Determining navigational routes in the Yemeni territorial sea.
⦁ The registration activities of Yemeni ships, the conduct of flag state control, and the issuance of necessary certificates that would enable them to sail in accordance with international laws, regulations and conventions in force.
⦁ Overseeing the implementation of international conventions and national laws on the regulation of Yemeni seafarers’ labours, and participating in qualifying and training them.
⦁ Combating marine pollution and take all the necessary precautions to protect marine environment with the coordination of relevant authorities, setting contingency plan to respond to potential marine pollution threats, and providing, in collaboration with relevant national and international agencies, equipment required to prevent such threats, in accordance with applicable international regulations, laws and conventions.
⦁ Seeking the removal and disposal of marine wrecks in accordance with the Maritime Law.
⦁ Regulating traffic at the coastal crude oil and gas export terminals, providing, or licensing, towage and pilotage services there, and monitoring protection of marine environment from pollution at the surroundings.
⦁ Establishing, supervising and operating lighthouses and navigational aids that would serve international navigation.
⦁ Providing the government with any technical assistance or advice with issues concerning the MAA activities.
⦁ Participating in qualifying, training of specialized staff, in collaboration with local and international specialized universities, academies, institutes, and technical and specialized centers, in order to serve and develop MAA activities and upgrade staff performance.
⦁ Demanding legal seizure over violating ships in accordance with laws in force.
⦁ Taking all necessary legal proceedings before local courts and international arbitration agencies, in collaboration with competent bodies, to ensure MAA’s rights and full exercise of its relevant duties.
⦁ Providing proposals for maritime affairs-related laws and advising on signing or withdrawing from an international maritime convention(s).
⦁ Representing Republic of Yemen at regional and international maritime organizations, such as IMO; and participating in relevant international conferences.
⦁ Any other function to be assigned as per laws in force.
