China MSA published an announcement recently requesting ships, with effect from 1 March 2025, to report to maritime administration authorities when a permit to enter Chinese internal waters has not yet been obtained under emergency situations, such as urgent personal illness, mechanical failure, distress, and adverse weather conditions.

The reporting shall be done by ships upon urgently entering the internal waters of China, including: ship’s name, IMO number, flag, ship type, cargo information, any assistance required, and so on. If ship’s AIS does not work properly, additional information, such as ship’s current position, intended course and speed, shall also be reported every hour. The maritime administration authorities have the rights to take actions according to relevant laws, regulations and rules in case a ship fails to report as requested or refuses to follow their instructions or supervision.

For details of the reporting methods as well as the time and content of the reporting, please find attached the circular from our correspondent, Oasis P&I Services Company Limited.