Resolution No. 422 of 2025 issued by the Minister of Transportation regarding the adoption of the regulations for port state control procedures for foreign vessels in Libyan ports and waters.

These Regulations, consisting of 52 articles, aim to achieve the following objectives (i) implement the State’s obligations under various international maritime conventions with regard to the control of foreign vessels, particularly the applicable resolution issued by the International Maritime Organization concerning “Procedures for the Control of Foreign Ships by Port State Control”; (ii) inspect foreign vessels in national ports and Libyan waters in order to verify that the condition of the ship and its equipment complies with the requirements of international conventions, and that the vessel operates in compliance with the rules to ensure the safety of life, property, and the marine environment; (iii) limit the presence of substandard foreign vessels in Libyan ports and waters; (iv) establish a legislative and administrative framework for exercising control over foreign vessels calling at Libyan ports. The competent authority, represented by the Ports and Maritime Transport Authority, is responsible for (i) fulfilling Libya’s obligations in conducting Port State Control over foreign vessels in its ports and waters; (ii) overseeing the training of inspectors. Under Article 46, Port State Control officers may deny entry to any foreign vessel if it poses a risk to maritime safety or the marine environment.
The Regulations set out a comprehensive framework governing Port State Control procedures. They address the monitoring of vessels not covered by international conventions due to their size, as well as the criteria for selecting priority vessels for inspection. They further establish clear processes for conducting initial and more detailed inspections, alongside requirements for documenting findings through inspection reports. In addition, the Regulations provide mechanisms for reporting suspected deficiencies or violations under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, and outlines the corrective measures to be taken. They also include guidance on vessel detention, the possible suspension of inspections, and the procedures for rectifying deficiencies and releasing vessels once compliance is achieved.