International Regulations for Seaports in the Baltic Sea Region

This report provides an overview of international rules and regulations related to ports, specifically security and safety in port facilities. There are four essential documents regarding safety and security in ports, two by the International Maritime Organization, IMO, and two by the European Union, EU. However, as a port is the interface between land transport and maritime transport it therefore must implement and be aware of rule-making for both sectors, in addition to port-specific acts and regulations. For the maritime side, the conventions and codes by the IMO are essential, while for the land transport side, several recommendations and agreements are implemented by the European Commission as, primarily, regulations and directives. Occupational safety and health for the maritime part are comprehensively treated in the Maritime Labour Convention by ILO. These documents and additional legislation are also implemented by EU regulations and directives.

The essential EU documents are categorized and listed under five main headings, port security, occupational safety and health, maritime safety, other modes of transport and cybersecurity. Due to the complexity of the legislative field, the report can only be used as an introduction and guidance to essential regulatory measures for ports. For full compliance, the specific convention, code, regulation, directive, etc. must be read in full and applicable amendments, local bylaws, instructions, etc. taken into account.