Act concerning the Maritime Zones of the Polish Republic and the Marine Administration.

This Act defines the legal situation of the maritime areas of the Polish Republic, the coastal area and the authorities of the marine administration and their scope of jurisdiction (Art. 1, Comma 1). The maritime areas of Poland consist of: (a) the internal waters; (b) the territorial sea; (c) the exclusive economic zone (Art. 2, Comma 1).The text of the present Act consists of 71 articles divided into 6 Parts: General Provisions (I); Polish Maritime Zones (II); The Marine Administration (III); Fines (IV); Amendments to Regulations Currently in Force (V); Transitional and Final Provisions (VI). Article 14 provides for the establishment of an exclusive economic zone. The boundaries of the zone shall be defined by international treaties (art. 16, comma 1). If such treaties do not exist, The Council of Ministers, by Ordinance, shall define the boundaries of the Zone (art. 16, comma 2). Polish law relating to the protection of the environment shall be in force in the Zone (art. 19). Foreign fishing will only be allowed if a treaty with the State of which the vessel is flying its flag has been concluded or if the vessel has obtained a licence (art. 21). Articles 22 to 34 make provision for activities in the maritime areas such as construction, scientific research and the exploitation of non-living resources. The marine administration consists of the Minister of Transport and Marine Economy, the Directors of Marine Offices and local authorities of the marine administration (art. 38). The directors of Marine Offices shall issue legal regulations on the basis of powers conferred upon them in legislative Acts (art. 47, comma 1). The remaining Articles of Part III deal with powers of inspection and enforcement of the Marine Inspectorate.