Decree-Law No. 63/2018 establishing the Port State Measures.

This Decree-Law, consisting of 43 articles divided into three Chapters and 13 Annexes, establishes the Port State Measures under the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for the Western and Central African Region (Abuja MOU) and establishes the common criteria for port state control of foreign ships to scout national ports and anchorages, as well as the inspection, detention and information procedures to be observed by the competent national authorities in this field. It applies to any foreign vessel entering in a National port or anchorage to realize a ship/port interface, as well as to related crew. For ships of gross tonnage below the limit laid down in the conventions, the provisions of the relevant conventions shall apply and, to the extent that no agreement is applicable, the necessary measures shall be taken to ensure that such ships do not present a manifest danger to safety, health or the environment, with the guidelines set out in Annex I of the Abuja MOU, reproduced in Annex I to this Decree-Law and forming an integral part thereof, shall be observed for this purpose. This Decree-Law shall not apply to fishing vessels, warships and auxiliary units of the navy, vessels of wood of primitive construction, non-commercial vessels of the State and recreational craft not used for commercial purposes. The measures adopted do not lead to a reduction in the general level of protection of seafarers in force in Cape Verde covered by social legislation in related areas.