HELCOM RECOMMENDATION 1/1

(supplemented by HELCOM Recommendation 10/7) 

adopted 5 May 1980, having regard to Article 13, Paragraph b) of the Helsinki Convention 

RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING MEASURES TO ENSURE THE USE OF RECEPTION FACILITIES FOR WASTES FROM SHIPS 

THE COMMISSION,

TAKING NOTE of the provisions of the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area, 1974, (Helsinki Convention) , on facilities for the reception of wastes from ships,

RECOGNIZING that the provision and maintenance of adequate reception facilities for wastes from ships are prerequisites for the application of the provisions of the Helsinki Convention which prohibit or limit discharges of wastes from ships into the sea,

RECOGNIZING ALSO the great efforts being made by the Contracting Parties to the Helsinki Convention, in order to provide the reception facilities required by the Convention,

NOTING that the Baltic Sea States to an increasing extent are applying or intending to apply a system of no special fees being charged to ships for the reception of oily wastes, sewage or garbage,

RECOMMENDS Governments of the Contracting Parties to the Helsinki Convention to take appropriate steps to ensure that reception facilities for oily residues and other wastes from ships are used to the fullest extent; taking into account that the cost and time factors are essential in connection with the use of reception facilities for wastes from ships and that any measures which could provide disincentives to such use should be avoided.