Solomon Islands Maritime Authority Act No. 9 of 2018.

This Act lays down rules for the establishment of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority as a financially self-sufficient organization with sufficient resources to carry out its functions, the implementation of international and regional maritime agreements, and the implementation of applicable maritime laws. The powers and functions of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority are: (I) implementation and enforcement of applicable maritime laws, conventions and agreements, (II) efficient and effective administration of maritime sector, (III) control and monitoring of vessels in port and at sea, (IV) coordination of maritime search and rescue operations, (V) prevention of marine pollution originating from vessels, (VI) enforcement of standards of construction, repair or salvage for vessels constructed in Solomon Islands and operating within Solomon Islands, (VII) preparation of hydrographic charts and surveys for maritime use, (IX) monitoring and economic analysis of and support for the management and administration of franchise shipping schemes, and (X) monitoring of commercial matters concerning the maritime industry. The jurisdiction of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority includes all vessels in Solomon Island waters, regardless of nationality; Solomon Island vessels on the high seas; and citizens of Solomon Islands. This Act sets forth provisions on the membership, powers and functions of the Board of the Maritime Authority; the establishment and structure of Advisory Committee and other committees; the funds of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority; planning and reporting of corporate plan of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority; the implementation and enforcement of applicable maritime conventions and agreements; the implementation of franchise shipping schemes; the development of planning for maritime emergencies, including safety and environmental emergencies; the powers of entry, inspection and seizure of the personnel authorized by the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority; and offences and penalties. The Minister may make regulations relating to matters required or permitted to be prescribed by the Minister under this Act. Moreover, the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority may make maritime orders relating to matters required or permitted to be prescribed by maritime order under this or any other Act.
This Act amends the Shipping Act No. 5 of 1998 to integrate the role and functions of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority and to strengthen the implementation of relevant international conventions. Fishing vessels are excluded from the definition of "vessels" in Section 2.