a) BALLAST: “ NO DIRY BALLAST ” In the world today there is a greater awareness of the environment in which we live and the need to ensure that we protect our inheritance for future generations. As such, Master of all vessels entering Qatari waters must ensure that the ballast to be discharged is clean and complies with current MARPOL regulations (Oil content to be less than 15 ppm) and it should be noted that sampling of ballast water may be carried out. Vessels with ballast water exceeding the limits will not be allowed to discharge and this will severely curtail the loaded quantity. In addition vessels should ensure that no oily water of any sort is discharged overboard, whether it is from bilges, pump rooms or washed overboard from deck. Scuppers should be effectively plugged and any leaks or overflows of cargo should be contained within the confines of the vessel. Any vessel found to be in contravention of these rules will be liable to heavy fines and liabilities for claims arising from pollution of the sea and shore areas. Where a vessel has caused pollution it will be held responsible for all the costs of the cleanup operation. Suspected pollution of any kind from own vessel or sighted in the vicinity must be immediately reported to Mesaieed Vessel Traffic Control (VTC) with a full written report to Mesaieed Port Harbour Master. The message is very clear from the Qatari Government. Do not cause any pollution; otherwise heavy penalties are in force!! b) BALLAST WATER EXCHANGE: It has been recognized that the discharge of ballast water in port whilst loading can transfer non-indigenous aquatic species that may be harmful to local species. Guidelines have been issued by IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee to implement Ballast Water Management Programme. The recommended measure to reduce such risk is re-ballasting (Ballast Water Exchange) in the open sea. Mesaieed Port Department may examine vessel’s Record Books and conduct tests to ensure that all vessels abide by the IMO recommendations. c) GARBAGE: “ OVER THE SIDE IS OVER.. FOR EVER ” The MARPOL regulations regarding the disposal of garbage are now in force and as such all vessels entering Qatari waters should take steps to ensure that no garbage is thrown over the side from their vessels. Any vessel found in contravention of this regulation will be subject to a fine and made to pay for any clean-up operation. As the slogan states: “ Over the side is Over ” So please ensure that no garbage finds its way onto the beaches of Qatar from your vessel. d) LIQUOR / DRUGS: The State Laws of Qatar are very strict about the import of liquor / drugs and its consumption both on the mainland and on vessel in the harbor is prohibited. No employee, whether senior or junior, is permitted to import any liquor / drugs. Do not offer liquor for consumption on your vessel to any QP employee or any other shore personnel. Vessels should seal their liquor/ drugs store before arrival and any cameras should also be placed under seal. STCW Regulations relating to the consumption of alcohol by vessel crew members are to be strictly followed at all times whilst the vessel is within Mesaieed Port limits. Heavy penalties are enforced for any infringement of the Law. e) SECURITY: The Government of Qatar and QP are anxious to ensure that unauthorized persons do not board vessels loading at Mesaieed. Your cooperation is requested in checking the identity of all persons boarding your vessel. You are particularly advised to keep all points of access to your vessel under surveillance at all times, and to provide maximum night illumination of your vessel in so far as the safety regulations permit. A State Police Launch is present in the area and may be available for assistance if required. Photography is prohibited on the vessel's deck and on the wharf. Security in Mesaieed Port is being enhanced in view of the latest amendment to SOLAS 1974 requiring ports to adopt the International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities (ISPS Code). Mesaieed Port Facilities Security Plan is being set up to ensure that vessels calling at Mesaieed are operating in a secure environment at all times whilst in the port. The designated Port Security Officer may call on vessels to verify that Ship Security Plans are in place. Masters should be aware that the Port Authority may request the provision of information regarding the ship, its cargo, passengers and ship's personnel prior to the ship's entry into Mesaieed Port. There may be circumstances in which entry into port could be denied. f) SHORE LEAVE: Shore leave is allowed in Mesaieed and can be arranged for purposes of ship’s business through the Agent. Request for any shore leave must be made well in advance in order for the Agent to arrange the necessary security gate pass and transportation. g) COURTESY FLAG: The Qatar National Flag is to be flown during daylight hours when a vessel is in Mesaieed Port.