Particularly Sensitive Sea Area
The IMO designation for sea areas needing special protection, the criteria under resolution A.982(24), and the associated protective measures.
A particularly sensitive sea area is an area that needs special protection through action by IMO because of its recognized ecological, socio-economic or scientific significance and its vulnerability to damage by international shipping activities. The designation itself confers no obligation on a ship. What binds is the associated protective measure adopted alongside it.
The criteria and the designation procedure are in the revised guidelines of Assembly resolution A.982(24), as amended by resolution MEPC.267(68). An application must identify at least one associated protective measure that IMO has the competence to adopt, which in practice means a routeing measure, a discharge or equipment requirement under MARPOL, or a reporting system. That requirement is what prevents the designation becoming a label without consequence.
The Lombok Strait designation illustrates the structure. Resolution MEPC.396(82), adopted 4 October 2024, designated the Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands a particularly sensitive sea area, and the associated protective measures are the strait’s traffic separation scheme segments, its precautionary areas and its inshore traffic zone . The full article will cover the criteria, the application and adoption procedure, the measure types available, and the designated areas in force.