Is Port State Control an Effective Means to Combat Vessel-Source Pollution? An Empirical Survey of the Practical Exercise by Port States of Their Powers of Control

Abstract

AbstractIt has become conventional wisdom that because flag states have been unwilling or unable to exercise effective jurisdiction or control over their vessels, port states have a major role to play in combating sub-standard ships and reducing vessel-source pollution. This article seeks to test conventional wisdom by examining in practice how far port states have exercised their powers of control against sub-standard ships and contributed to reducing vessel-source operational pollution.