SCOPE & PURPOSE

This Newsletter aims to inform all ship-owners, operators and Masters of vessels about the issuance of the Notice on Conducting Special Safety Supervision for Ships Recently Entering Shanghai by the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China (MSA), in view of the 9th China International Import Expo. The main points are:

1. Implementation Time and Region

• From October 25 to November 10, 2026, Chinese-flagged vessels intending to navigate, moor, or conduct operations in the waters between the Shanghai Huangpu River Minpu Bridge and Buoy 105 (hereinafter referred to as the controlled waters) shall carry out special self-inspections, submit special information reports, and undergo special safety inspections.
• From November 1 to November 10, 2026, foreign-flagged vessels intending to navigate, moor, or conduct operations in controlled waters shall undergo special security inspections.

2. Special Information Report on Ships Entering Shanghai

• Special information reports for ships entering Shanghai shall be submitted via the "Maritime Communication" (Haitong) APP (see the attachment for operational guidelines).
• Vessels departing from domestic ports to enter controlled waters shall submit a report before setting sail from the port of departure. If a vessel, after leaving the port, changes its destination port for any reason and proceeds to controlled waters, it shall submit a report before entering the controlled waters.
• Chinese-flagged international navigation vessels arriving directly from foreign ports to controlled waters shall report before entering the controlled waters.
• Vessels that are permanently or long-term operating in controlled waters, including navigation and mooring, shall submit the aforementioned report by October 25. If there are any changes in the vessel or its crew information, a new report must be submitted.

3. Special Safety Inspection for Ships Entering Shanghai

• Vessels departing from domestic ports and entering controlled waters shall apply to the maritime administration of the port of departure for a special safety inspection of the vessel, correct any deficiencies as required, and pass re-inspection.
• Chinese-flagged international navigation vessels arriving directly from foreign ports to controlled waters will undergo special safety inspections conducted by the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration.
• Vessels that are permanently or long-term operating in controlled waters, including navigation and mooring, shall apply for a special safety inspection of the vessel to the maritime administration authority in their area before October 25.
• If a vessel undergoes any of the following circumstances after receiving a special safety inspection, it shall reapply for a special safety inspection to the maritime administration authority in its location:

1. A water traffic accident of general or higher severity occurs;
2. Major navigation and pollution prevention equipment malfunction;
3. There are changes in crew information, or inspections reveal discrepancies between the content of special reports and actual conditions.

4. Special Inspection of Security for Vessels Entering Shanghai

• Foreign-flagged vessels departing from domestic ports and entering controlled waters shall undergo special security inspections conducted by the maritime administration of the port of departure.
• International vessels arriving directly from foreign ports to controlled waters will be subject to special security inspections conducted by the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration.
• If a vessel encounters any of the following circumstances after undergoing a special security inspection, it shall promptly report to the maritime administration authority in its area, and the maritime administration authority shall conduct a new special security inspection on the vessel:

1. A water traffic accident of general or higher severity occurs;
2. Major navigation and pollution prevention equipment malfunction;
3. The crew information has changed.

    5. Other Requirements

• Ship owners or operators should earnestly study and implement the requirements of this notice; Vessels must submit special information reports for ships entering Shanghai in accordance with regulations and are responsible for the completeness and authenticity of the report content; Vessels shall strictly conduct self-inspections in accordance with each item listed in the "Special Safety Self-Inspection Checklist for Vessels Entering Shanghai" (see attachment) and rectify all deficiencies before arriving at the port.
• Ships shall not carry "low-altitude, slow-speed, small-sized aerial vehicles" into controlled waters. If there are practical difficulties in disposing of them on-site and it is indeed necessary to carry them, the types, models, and quantities of the "low-altitude, slow-speed, small-sized aerial vehicles" carried should be reported in a special report, along with clear storage measures. The use of "low-altitude, slow-speed, small aerial vehicles" is strictly prohibited in the aforementioned water areas.
• Ships shall ensure that the shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radiotelephones remain turned on, accurately input relevant information, and maintain unobstructed communication on board. Vessels with AIS and VHF equipment that are not installed as required or are damaged shall not be allowed to enter controlled waters. If a ship's AIS and VHF equipment is damaged after entering a controlled water area, it should immediately report to the local maritime administration authority and comply with the supervision instructions of the maritime administration authority.
• Except in emergency situations involving the safety of vessels or the rescue of lives at sea, from October 25 to November 10, 2026, vessels shall not release any on-board small boats (including manned floating devices, workboats, lifeboats, rescue boats, submersibles, unmanned vessels, etc.) in controlled waters. If release is indeed necessary, it should be reported in advance to the local maritime administration.

For any questions or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at regulatory@phrs.co.com