Govt to amend Shipbreaking Code; invites stakeholders comments

Government has decided to amend the Shipbreaking Code, 2013, to address issues like disposal of radioactive materials and oil spills.
The proposed amendments include necessary steps by a recycler to prevent spilling of oil and hazardous substances in the sea, besides safe disposal of radioactive material.
"The ship recycler shall take necessary measures for preventing the escape of oil or noxious liquid substances into the sea.
"If any oil or noxious liquid substances spill occurs and escapes into the sea, the ship recycler shall inform the Coast Guard and other concerned authorities and take necessary action for the removal of the oil or noxious liquid substances slicks on the surface of the sea," as per one of the amendments proposed.

As per the draft of the amendment, if the spill is not contained and removed locally, necessary pollution report shall be made to the concerned authority in accordance with the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).
The Ministry of Shipping has invited comments from stakeholders by June 30.

The ministry also made it clear that in case of spilling of oil in the sea, the ship recycler will be liable for the cleanup.
"All radioactive waste material shall be labeled and stored as per Atomic Energy (Radiation Protection) Rules," the draft of the amendment said.
Modifications to the Shipbreaking Code, 2013, are being considered at present on the basis of practical experience of the users and suggestions received from different stakeholders, including shipbreaking industry, State Maritime Boards/port authorities and other regulatory agencies.