Since the opening of the 2025 fishing season, there has been an increase in collisions and nearmiss incidents between merchant and fishing vessels in China’s coastal waters. Risks have become more prominent. Liberia Maritime Authority published Marine Advosory 29/2025 to inform shipowners, operators and masters of the Guideline for the prevention of collision between merchant vessels and fishing vessels in coastal waters of China recently issued by the MSA. The objective of the Guideline is to provide guidance on collision prevention and to improve the collision risk control capabilities of both merchant and fishing vessels. All crew members responsible for navigation watch-keeping should possess a thorough understanding of the Guideline.

Update on Fishing Activities and Navigational Safety

Fishing activities along China’s coastline partially resumed in August, and from 16 September 2025, the fishing season will recommence on a full scale. Consequently, traffic density in China’s coastal waters is expected to rise significantly, with large numbers of fishing vessels departing from ports. This surge will exert considerable pressure on navigational safety. To ensure safe navigation during this period, China MSA has updated the Safety Advisories for Vessels Navigating China’s Coastal Waters (see attachment). Shipowners, operators, and masters are hereby advised to:

• Circulate the updated Advisories to vessels flying the Liberian flag and to the relevant shipping companies;
• Incorporate the Advisories into company notices to ships, or update previous notices where necessary;
• Emphasize to master’s and deck officers the importance of strict watchkeeping and collision-prevention measures in these complex traffic conditions; and
• Strengthen crew preparedness through targeted training and awareness initiatives.

By doing so, seafarers’ awareness of the heightened risks will be raised, collision-prevention readiness strengthened, and safer navigation in China’s coastal waters ensured.

Requirements

This Guideline incorporates the requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 Convention, as well as the navigation and fishing practices specific to the coastal waters of China and takes into consideration practical experiences of shipping -1-2 companies, industry associations and maritime institutions. The Guideline offers recommendations to optimize navigation techniques, regulate action to avoid collision, and address emergency rescue measures for merchant vessels navigating in the coastal waters of China.

READ ADVISORY FOR FULL DETAILS