Resolution No. 57 of 2014 of Georgian Government on a Charter regarding Establishing Separation Schemes, Maritime Corridors and Special Maritime Areas in Territorial Sea of Georgia

The Resolution establishes separation schemes, maritime corridors and special maritime areas in the territorial sea of Georgia, as well as regulates navigation of fishing vessels in the sea. The Resolution consists of three chapters: General provisions (I); Maritime corridors and separation schemes for navigation (II); and Special maritime areas (III). The document regulates the maritime zones such as maritime reserves, sanitary areas, former minefields, prohibited areas for navigation, temporarily prohibited areas for navigation, dumping field for extracted soil, military areas and recommended navigation areas. The Resolution also provides for safe sailing by fishing vessels, and rights of fishing vessels to enter or stay in certain maritime areas. The Resolution establishes the following maritime reserve and sanitary areas: maritime reserve area; the first sanitary area of Georgia (water use zone); and the second sanitary area of Georgia (coastal zone). In the maritime reserve area, the document bans fishing and allows navigation only in exceptional cases. In the first sanitary area, the regulation bans discharging certain oil-containing mixtures, waste and ballast into the sea. In the second sanitary area, the Resolution bans discharging oil-containing waters and ballast into the sea unless the requirements of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships are met. The Resolution also adopts the exact navigational points of the area where unauthorized sailing is completely prohibited in Georgia.