Associated Protective Measures as the Essential Part of a PSSA

Abstract

The previous chapter has already identified Associated Protective Measures (APMs) as the core feature of every PSSA. APMs define the means by and the extent to which a PSSA is protected against environmental threats posed by inter- national shipping. The present chapter examines the provisions of the PSSA Guidelines dealing with APM requirements, as well as their relationship with relevant UNCLOS provisions on the coastal-state regulation of vessel-source pollution. I shall first outline the range of measures available for adoption by IMO and the legal requirements they have to conform to. Secondly, I shall illustrate how IMO assesses APM proposals and how they are enforced once implemented in an area. In the final section, I will try to summarise the implications of the PSSA concept by highlighting similarities and differences of all PSSAs designated so far. To that end, I will focus on APMs that have been approved by IMO for each of the areas.