Devant une situation alarmante, chaotique, choquante et récurrente, je n’ai eu d’autre choix que d’adresser une correspondance officielle :
• Au ministre de l’Économie bleue
• Au Port Master – Mauritius Ports Authority
• Au Director of Shipping – ministère Shipping
• A la National Coast Guard
• Au Mauritius Radio Service (Telecoms)
The Director of Shipping,
Port-Louis
Dear Captain Coopen,
I trust this message finds you well.
I am writing to formally address the ongoing issue of maritime regulatory breaches by vessels approaching Port-Louis from the northern direction, specifically concerning the 12 nautical mile sector and the northern Area to Be Avoided (ATBA).
Despite prior communications and adherence to the stipulations outlined in Merchant Shipping Notice No. 21 of 2020, it is both alarming and disconcerting to observe that these vessels continue to infringe upon our territorial waters. I have attached screenshots from the Marine Traffic Maritime Monitoring System, which substantiate these concerns.
At least seven vessels violating the northern territorial waters as recently as yesterday. Today’s early morning registered 2 vessels violating the same region while another one crossed the 12nmiles boundary in the south-east. (Screenshot attached)
Considering these developments, I respectfully seek clarification on the following matters:
1. Effectiveness of Merchant Shipping Notice No. 21 of 2020: What measures are being implemented to ensure compliance with the regulations delineated in this notice? The recurrent violations suggest a potential inadequacy in the enforcement of these regulations.
2. Broadcasting of Warnings via VHF Channel 16:
Could you please provide an assessment of the current effectiveness of the Mauritius Radio Service’s (MRS) warnings broadcasted on VHF Channel 16? Despite regular transmissions, there appears to be a persistent disregard for these directives by the vessels.
Are there any plans to enhance the effectiveness of these communications?
3. Enforcement by National Coast Guards and Port-Louis Harbour Control:
It seems that there are significant challenges in the enforcement of these regulations. What measures are being taken to strengthen the enforcement capabilities of the National Coast Guards and the Port-Louis Harbour Control?
This persistent issue is raising serious concerns regarding the security of our maritime territory and the overall efficacy of our regulatory framework. I urge your immediate attention to these matters and request a comprehensive response outlining the steps that will be taken to address and resolve these concerns expeditiously.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your response and to seeing concrete actions to enhance maritime security and regulatory compliance.
Yours sincerely,
Alain Malherbe
