Oceans and the law of the sea
A/RES/74/19
165. Recognizes the important work of the International Hydrographic
Organization, calls upon States that have not yet done so to consider becoming
members of that Organization, encourages all its members to actively consider, in
accordance with applicable rules and procedures, applications of States that wish to
become members of that Organization, and urges all States to work with that
Organization to increase the coverage of hydrograp hic information on a global basis
to enhance capacity-building and technical assistance and to promote safe navigation,
particularly through the production and use of accurate electronic navigational charts,
especially in areas used for international navigation, in ports and where there are
vulnerable or protected marine areas;
166. Also recognizes the importance of navigational warning services based on
marine meteorological data for the safety of ships and lives at sea and the optimization
of navigation routes, and notes the collaboration between the World Meteorological
Organization and the International Maritime Organization for the enhancement of
these services and their extension to the Arctic region;
167. Encourages States to continue their efforts in the implementation of all
areas of the Action Plan for the Safety of Transport of Radioactive Material,
approved by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency in
March 2004;
168. Also encourages States to ensure effective implementation of the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the International Maritime Solid Bulk
Cargoes Code, the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships
carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk and the International Code for the Construc tion and
Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk;
169. Notes that cessation of the transport of radioactive materials through the
regions of small island developing States is an ultimate desired goal of small island
developing States and some other countries, and recognizes the right of freedom of
navigation in accordance with international law; that States should maintain dialogue
and consultation, in particular under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy
Agency and the International Maritime Organization, with the aim of improved
mutual understanding, confidence-building and enhanced communication in relation
to the safe maritime transport of radioactive materials; that States involved in the
transport of such materials are urged to continue to engage in dialogue with small
island developing States and other States to address their concerns; and that these
concerns include the further development and strengthening, within the appropriate
forums, of international regulatory regimes to enhance safety, disclosure, liability,
security and compensation in relation to such transport;
170. Acknowledges, in the context of paragraph 169 above, the potential
environmental and economic impacts of maritime incidents and accidents on coastal
States, in particular those related to the transport of radioactive materials, and
emphasizes the importance of effective liability regimes in that regard;
171. Invites States that have not yet done so to consider becoming parties to the
Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007; 73
172. Requests States to take appropriate measures with regard to ships flying
their flag or of their registry to address hazards that may be caused by wrecks and
drifting or sunken cargo to navigation or the marine environment;
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73
19-21313
International Maritime Organization, document LEG/CONF.16/19.
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