The Ministry of Transport's Maritime Safety Administration recently released the “Regulations on Credit Management in the Field of Maritime Supervision (Draft for Comments)”. It aims to standardize credit management in maritime supervision, integrate maritime regulation and service guarantees, and promote the high-quality development of the shipping industry. The regulations cover credit information management, credit status determination, credit result application, credit objection and repair, offering a comprehensive framework for credit management in maritime supervision.

The Regulations state that credit information management in maritime supervision will follow the principles of objectivity, fairness, prudence, transparency, and list-based management. Information collection, sharing, and disclosure will be carried out using information technology to ensure accuracy and timeliness. Credit subjects’ status will be classified into three categories: honest, generally dishonest, and seriously dishonest, with corresponding incentive or regulatory measures.

For honest credit subjects, maritime authorities will implement incentive measures such as optimized inspections, reduced spot-check ratios, and fewer inspection frequencies. In contrast, stricter regulatory measures, including increased inspection frequencies and restricted access to conveniences, will be applied to those on the “Watch List” or “List of Serious Dishonesty.”

The Regulations also clarify the procedures and conditions for credit objection and repair, safeguarding the legitimate rights of credit subjects. They will be able to publicize and appeal against credit listing and apply for credit repair under certain conditions to enhance their credit status.

Once implemented, these Regulations will enhance the credit system in maritime supervision, strengthen market players’ integrity awareness, improve the business environment, and underpin the high-quality development of the shipping industry.