In the 1970s coastal states began to refuse refuge to ships in distress, particularly those carrying oil or other dangerous cargoes. Recently there have been three major incidents involving ships, laden with crude oil and other hazardous cargoes, requesting and being refused access to places of refuge. In two of these cases, the ships subsequently sank, causing severe pollution damage. In response the International Maritime Organization developed guidelines for ship masters in distress requesting a place of refuge and coastal authorities which receive and act on the request. In Australia, similar guidelines have been developed by Commonwealth and state/territory governments, and this article examines and analyses the legislation and guidelines concerning the provision of places of refuge as well as some recent incidents involving Places of refupe in Australia.
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