Recently, the Maritime Safety Administration of the Ministry of Transport officially released the List of High-Frequency Maritime Minor Violations Exempt from Penalty According to Law (hereinafter referred to as the “List”). This initiative aims to further optimize the maritime law enforcement environment, implement tolerant and prudent supervision, and promote the healthy and orderly development of the shipping industry.

Compiled in accordance with the requirements of the Opinions of the Ministry of Transport on Establishing a Long-Term Mechanism for Standardizing Transportation Administrative Law Enforcement, the List systematically reviews and updates matters related to minor violations in maritime administrative penalties. It covers various areas including ship certificates and documents, crew management, navigation and operations, radio communications, pollution prevention, and inland waterway traffic. The List clearly specifies the conditions and prerequisites for applying “no penalty for first violation” or “exemption for minor violations”.

The List emphasizes that exemption clauses apply only when all conditions are met simultaneously: no harmful consequences occurred, there was no obstruction of law enforcement, and corrective actions were taken as required. These exemptions do not apply to specific serious violations involving key vessels such as passenger ships and dangerous goods carriers. The new regulations take effect immediately upon release. Their implementation is expected to standardize law enforcement criteria, reduce compliance costs, and reflect a maritime law enforcement approach that combines firmness with reasonableness.