《TAIPEI TIMES》 Chinese-owned yachts barred from Taiwan ports
The Maritime and Port Authority has revised its guidelines to clarify the regulations for foreign yachts entering the port. Violators will be fined up to NT$300,000.
Quick Look
- The Taiwan Maritime and Port Authority has revised its guidelines to prohibit Chinese yachts from applying to enter Taiwan ports.
- Violators will be fined up to NT$300,000 and may be ordered to leave immediately.
- The new regulations also clarify the application materials, license period and extension conditions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Maritime and Port Authority revised the guidelines for entry of foreign yachts into the port in accordance with Article 8 and Article 89 Paragraph 1 of the Shipping Law, clarifying application materials, permit period, extension conditions and types of ships that will not be accepted.
Chinese yachts have been banned from Taiwan's ports, and the Maritime and Port Authority announced revised guidelines.
The revision clarifies the rules for foreign yachts to apply to enter Taiwan, including application requirements and permit deadlines. Violators may be fined up to NT$300,000 and may be ordered to leave immediately.
The bureau said the changes were intended to standardize the review of applications for foreign yachts and the approval process for permission to stay.
The revision stipulates the documents required for application and lists the reasons for special extension and the required supporting documents. For example, yachts that are being repaired or undergoing transfer to Taiwan registration can apply for an extension.
The revised guidelines also expand the categories of ships for which applications will not be accepted. The previous restrictions covered Chinese-registered yachts and yachts sailing directly from China. Chinese-registered yachts have now been added to the list, making them unable to apply for permission to enter Taiwan.
Applicants must provide identification documents of the yacht owner, captain or operator; yacht certificate or ship registration certificate; operator qualification certificate or certificate of competency; passenger and crew list; voyage plan; and other supporting documents.
Special licenses are issued for the first time each year for a period of six months. Applications for extension must be submitted at least 14 days before the permit expires, and must be accompanied by supporting documentation from the relevant port authority authorizing the yacht to continue berthing. Each extension is for one month.
The bureau said the guidelines are based on Article 8 of the Shipping Act, which stipulates that foreign ships are not allowed to anchor in ports or coastal areas other than those designated by the government as international commercial ports, unless special permission is obtained.
According to Paragraph 1 of Article 89 of the same law, violators may be fined NT$30,000 to NT$300,000 by the maritime authorities. Yacht owners and operators may also be ordered to leave immediately.
Open Questions
- Specific implementation date of the new regulations
- What to do with Chinese yachts that already have port entry permits?
- Special extension approval rate and typical cases
