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Georgia Flag of Georgia

Pre Arrival:  Overview | Charts | Documents | ISPS   ...
Arrival:  Approaches
Communications:  Pratique | Pre-Arrival | VTS/Radar
Pollution:  Pollution
Facilities:  Medical
Security:  Police etc | Emergency
Local Info:  Time | Holidays | Notices | Weather
Crew:  Leave
Misc:  Authority
General Information for Georgia
Geo-political:
Capital City: Tbilisi. 41° 41.00′ N, 044° 50.00′ E
Nationality: (noun) Georgian(s), (adjective) Georgian.
Population: 3,997,000 (Month not specified 2019).
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 995.
Number of Internal Airports: 22 (2013).
Major Languages Spoken: Georgian 87.6% (official), Azeri 6.2%, Armenian 3.9%, Russian 1.2% and others 1%.
Economy:
Currency: 1 Lari (GEL) of 100 Tetri.
Exchange Rates:  (as of November 2020)
USD 1.00 = GEL 3.23
GEL 1.00 = USD 0.31
Exchange rates under licence from XE.com
Main Industries: Steel, machine tools, electrical appliances, mining, manganese, copper, gold, chemicals, wood products and wine.
Agricultural Products: Citrus, grapes, tea, hazelnuts, vegetables and livestock.
Imports: Fuels, vehicles, machinery, parts, grain, other foods and pharmaceuticals.
Exports: Vehicles, ferro-alloys, fertilizers, nuts, scrap metal, gold and copper ores.
Commodities: Crude: Production 400 bbl/d. Exports 3,006 bbl/d. Imports 2,660 bbl/d. Reserves 35,000,000 bbl. Products: Production 247 bbl/d. Exports 2,052 bbl/d. Imports 28,490 bbl/d. LNG: Production 7,363,000 cu.m.. Imports 2,294,000,000 cu.m.. Reserves 8,495,000,000 cu.m..
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Exclusive Economic Zone: Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 310 km.
Climate: Warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast.
Natural Resources: Timber, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal deposits, minor oil deposits, tea and citrus.
Natural Hazards: Earthquakes.
Terrain: Largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; fertile soils in river valley flood plains and foothills of Kolkhida Lowland.
OVERVIEW:  Abkhazia:  Abkhazia is currently a disputed region within the Sovereign border of Georgia. Sukhumi is the state capital of Abkhazia. As of the 21 June 2007, Georgia’s government has declared the port of Sukhumi closed for all shipping. Vessels sailing to and from the port will be subject to detention and substantial fines. Several vessels proceeding to the port have been detained in International Waters.
Airspace is controlled by the Russian military and fledgling Abkhaz air force. Limited capacity of the flying space available but not from Georgian air space. Sukhumi International Airport is currently not operational.
Also see Notices.
CHARTS:  Notice to Mariners and navigational warnings are issued by the State Hydrographic Service of Georgia. Notices are available online.
DOCUMENTS:  See Pre-Arrival Information.
ISPS COMPLIANCE:  As of 01.07.04, all ships calling at an ISPS certified port in Georgia must have, under the ISPS Code, the relevant valid documents available on board.
APPROACHES:  Vessels are advised to follow the recommended approaches to the ports of Poti, Batumi and Supsa, and avoid entering prohibited areas indicated on navigational charts. Penalties may be levied for noncompliance.
Full details are contained in The Order of the President of Georgia No. 380 , dated 21 June 2007, on establishing the traffic separation schemes, separation of sea corridors and maritime special areas in the territorial sea of Georgia.
Prohibited Areas:  Nominated limited areas of internal waters and territorial sea used by the defence forces and other interests where navigation, stopping, anchorage and fishing are prohibited, and are as follows:
Area Position
a) WSW of Batumi area Sarpi 41° 35.00′ N, 041° 27.00′ E
b) west of Poti 42° 09.00′ N, 041° 39.00′ E
c) SW of Sokhumi 42° 59.00′ N, 040° 59.00′ E
d) WNW of Mys Pitsunda area Bzyb 43° 10.00′ N, 040° 15.00′ E
e) west of Grigoleti area Supsa 42° 02.00′ N, 041° 43.00′ E
Dangerous Maritime Area:  Nominated areas of internal waters, territorial seas or economic zones used for the dumping of weapons or ordnance, and are as follows:
Area Position
a) west of Batumi Area No. 10 41° 40.00′ N, 041° 39.00′ E
b) SW of Poti Area No. 20 42° 09.00′ N, 041° 39.00′ E
c) approaches to Ochamchira Area No. 30 42° 44.00′ N, 041° 26.00′ E
Explosive Dumping Grounds: 
Area Position
a) NW of Poti Area No. 40 42° 13.00′ N, 041° 17.00′ E
b) Poti Area No. 50 42° 12.00′ N, 041° 28.00′ E
c) NNW of Batumi Area No .60 41° 50.00′ N, 041° 38.00′ E
PRATIQUE:  Messages must be sent to the Sanitary Officer of the Port, via Agent, 24 hours before arrival. The name of the vessel must be given in plain language, the remainder may be given in groups according to the International Code of Signals. The sending of these reports is compulsory via Agent.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  The owner of a vessel at any Georgia port must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Compulsory insurance:
a) applicable to all foreign vessels above 500 g.t.
b) coverage to include bunker oil removal and shipwreck removal. Insurance coverage must be equal to the limit of liability (including personal claim) for bunker oil pollution and (other than personal claim) for wreck removal.
2. Carry relevant certificates:
When vessels are visiting a Georgia port, a Certificate of Insurance must be carried on board. Alternatively, a Certificate of Entry, issued by designated insurers, from P&I Clubs belonging to the International Group of P&I Clubs will be accepted.
3. Report the status of insurance:
Master, or Agent, is required to report to the Harbour Master the status of insurance and vessel's identification information before entry to a Georgia port.
4. Inspection:
Vessel will be subjected to inspection, shipowners will be penalised and vessel liable for detention should the Master fail to comply with regulations.
5. Liability Rule:
Liability rule on bunker oil pollution damage includes strict or joint liability of the shipowner and charterer.
Arrival Notification:  The following ship's pre-arrival information must be submitted to the relevant Harbour Master at least 24 hours before arrival at the port:
  1. ship's name, call sign, IMO number
  2. vessel type, flag, agent
  3. date and time of arrival, purpose of call
  4. port of registry
  5. owner's name
  6. gross, net and reduced gross tonnage
  7. deadweight
  8. LOA
  9. beam, moulded depth
  10. arrival drafts forward and aft
  11. advise whether double hull or single hull
  12. advise bow/stern thruster and power
  13. fuel oil, diesel oil and fresh water QOB on arrival
  14. quantity and nature of cargo to be loaded/discharged
  15. quantity and nature of transit cargo
  16. number of crew, including Master
  17. number of passengers
  18. loading port/last port of call
  19. advise of any incidents/accidents during present voyage
  20. advise of any defects/damage of ship's equipment.
Additionally, copies of the following documents, showing expiry dates where applicable, to be submitted to the relevant Harbour Master with the 24-hour pre-arrival information:
  1. Registry Certificate
  2. International Tonnage Certificate (1969)
  3. Cargo Ship Construction Certificate
  4. Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
  5. Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate
  6. International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate
  7. International Load Line Certificate
  8. Minimum Safe Manning Document
  9. Crew List
  10. Last Port Clearance
  11. General Declaration
  12. Cargo Manifest
  13. Dangerous Goods Declaration
  14. Ship Sanitation Control (Exemption) Certificate
  15. Passenger List.
Departure:  The following information/documents to be provided to the relevant Harbour Master, via Agent, before departure:
  1. ship's name, call sign, IMO number
  2. ship type, flag, agent
  3. Master's name
  4. port of destination
  5. quantity and nature of cargo (transit cargo if any)
  6. max. drafts (summer and winter) as per International Load Line Certificate
  7. fresh water allowance as per International Load Line Certificate
  8. actual ship's drafts forward and aft
  9. actual stores (fuel oil, diesel oil, lub. oil, fresh water) in metric tonnes
  10. General Declaration
  11. Cargo Manifest
  12. Customs Clearance
  13. Crew List
  14. Passenger List
  15. Cargo Plan and ship's stability calculation.
Vessel Inspection:  Before entry into and after departure from Sukhumi port, an inspection of humanitarian vessels (Border and Customs Control) will be carried out at the outer anchorage areas of Poti port, as follows.
District No. 200:  For inspection of tankers, and bounded by the following coordinates:
  1. 42° 11.24′ N, 041° 35.27′ E
  2. 42° 12.00′ N, 041° 35.51′ E
  3. 42° 11.12′ N, 041° 37.52′ E
  4. 42° 10.47′ N, 041° 37.57′ E
  5. 42° 10.36′ N, 041° 37.34′ E.
District No. 300:  For inspection of dry cargo ships, and bounded by the following coordinates:
  1. 42° 08.56′ N, 041° 35.48′ E
  2. 42° 10.21′ N, 041° 35.48′ E
  3. 42° 09.48′ N, 041° 37.16′ E
  4. 42° 08.56′ N, 041° 37.21′ E.
VTS/RADAR:  GEOREP:  1. Introduction:  Georgian Ships Reporting System (GEOREP) was established on 01.04.96 (IMO Circular SN/Circ. 178, 13.03.1996) in accordance with requirements of International Conventions SOLAS 74/78, MARPOL 73/78, SAR 79, OPRC 90 and IMO Resolution A.851(20).
Newly updated in accordance with Georgian Laws on Maritime Areas 1998, on Maritime Rescue Service 2000,   Maritime Code of Georgia 1997/2000 and Port Regulations in Georgia 2002, and will have become mandatory and free of charge since 01.03.2003.
GEOREP is operated by MRCC Georgia, which subordinates to the Maritime Transport Administration of Georgia.
MRCC Duty Co-ordinator is responsible for monitoring reports and, if necessary, informs the appropriate authorities, Ministry of Environment, Coast Guard, etc.
For noncompliance with the present regulations, a Master can be subjected to fines in accordance with Administrative Law of Georgia.
All ships of any nationality, tonnage or type are welcome to participate as long as it is within the service area of GEOREP.
2. Purpose:  GEOREP serves to identify and monitor the positions of vessels which participate in the area covered by the system. To achieve this, vessels within the coverage area provide regular reports.
This information is used to maintain a chart plot of the vessels' positions. GEOREP is to aid search and rescue operations in that it: 
  1. reduces the time between the loss of a vessel and initiation of search and rescue action in cases where no distress signals are sent out
  2. limits the search area for rescue operations
  3. provides up-to-date information on shipping resources available in the vicinity of a casualty.
3. Geographical Area of Coverage:  Co-ordinates bound the area of coverage of GEOREP:
  1. 43° 23.00′ N, 040° 00.50′ E
  2. 42° 24.00′ N, 038° 41.00′ E
  3. 42° 20.15′ N, 039° 00.13′ E
  4. 42° 08.00′ N, 039° 50.50′ E
  5. 42° 02.00′ N, 040° 26.00′ E
  6. 41° 57.00′ N, 040° 42.00′ E
  7. 41° 35.50′ N, 041° 16.50′ E
  8. 41° 31.00′ N, 041° 33.00′ E.
4. Types of Reports:  Vessels participating in GEOREP are required to send the following types of reports. All reports are to be preceded by GEOREP and coded using the format given in Paragraph 5.
4.1 SAILING PLAN (SP):
A SP is sent within 6 hours before a ship enters the GEOREP area if the vessel is coming from Bosphorus and NW ports of the Black Sea. If the vessel is coming from ports of Turkey and ports of Russia, immediately after the vessel's dispatch from the port on departure. The SP contains information necessary to initiate a plot and give an outline of the intended passage.
4.2 POSITION REPORT (PR):
The PR is sent within 3 hours prior entering Georgian SAR zone. The PR contains information about the ship's position (within GEOREP's coverage area), course and speed at the time of the report to update the plot.
4.3 DEVIATION REPORT (DR)
A DR is sent when the ship's position varies more than 1 hour's steaming from the position that would be predicted from the last sailing plan or position report e.g. changing route, speed, etc.
4.4 FINAL REPORT (FR):
A FR should be sent on arrival at a destination within GEOREP or when leaving the area covered by the system.
4.5 DANGEROUS GOODS REPORT (DG):
When an incident takes place involving the loss or likely loss overboard of packaged dangerous goods, including those in freight containers, portable tanks, road and rail vehicles and shipborne barges, into the sea.
4.6 HARMFUL SUBSTANCES REPORT (HS):
When an incident takes place involving the discharge or probable discharge of oil (Annex I of MARPOL 73/78) or noxious liquid substances in bulk (Annex II of MARPOL 73/78).
4.7 MARINE POLLUTANTS REPORT (MP):
In the case of loss overboard of harmful substances in package form, including those in freight containers, portable tanks, road and rail vehicles and shipborne barges, identified in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code as marine pollutants (Annex III of MARPOL 73/78).
4.8 ANY OTHER REPORT (AOR):
Any other report should be made in accordance with the system procedures as notified in accordance with Paragraph 9 of the General Principles.
5. Format of Reports:  All ship reports should be sent in the standard reporting coded format. This format complies with IMO Resolution A. 851(20). Following table gives all the components of the GEOREP reports.
ID Description Content
A Ship Name, call sign, MMSI, flag of ship.
B Time A 6 digit group event giving day of month and hours and minutes in Universal Co-ordinated Time (UTC). If other than UTC, state time zone used.
C Position A 5 digit group giving latitude in degrees and minutes, decimal, suffixed with N and a 6-digit group giving longitude in degrees and minutes, decimal, suffixed with E.
D Position True bearing (first 3 digits) and distance (state distance) in nautical miles from a clearly identified landmark (state landmark).
E Course(s) A 3 digit group.
F Ship's speed A 3 digit group. speed in knots and tenths of knots.
G Departure port Name of the last port of call (e.g. Marseilles).
H Entry Entry date and time expressed as in B and entry position expressed as in C (e.g. vessel entering GEOREP on 04 Apr at 1520 UTC in position H 43° 00.50′ N, 039° 31.50′ E).
I Destination/ETA Name of the destination port and the expected date and time of arrival at the port. Time group expressed as in B (e.g. Batumi/Poti/Supsa ETA on 11 Apr at 0500 UTC = Batumi/Poti 110500).
J Pilot State whether a deep-sea or local Pilot is on board.
K GEOREP ETD Estimated date, time and position the vessel exits from GEOREP coverage. Date and time expressed as in B and exit position expressed as in C (e.g. K 42° 09.00′ N, 039° 48.00′ E).
L Route information Route information in Lat. and Long. should be given for each waypoint (WP) in the GEOREP area expressed as in C. The waypoints to be numbered as WP1, WP2, etc.
M Comm State full name of station and frequencies guarded (e.g. radio-telephony (RT), radio-telegraphy (WT), Radio telex, Inmarsat, etc.).
N Next report time Time the next position or deviation report will be sent. Date/time group expressed as in B.
O Draft Draft (m.) and (cm.) (e.g. 8.0 m. = 8.0).
P Cargo A brief indication of cargo carried on board (e.g. bulk coal, general, chemicals, etc.). IMDC No. for dangerous cargo.
Q Defects Brief details of defects, damages or other deficiencies (e.g. radio equipment)
R Pollution Brief details of type of pollution (oil, chemicals, etc.) or dangerous goods lost overboard; position expressed as in C or D (see detailed reporting requirements).
S Weather Brief details of weather and sea conditions prevailing
R Shipowner/agent Name and contract number of the owner and ship's agent who could be contacted for information about the ship's whereabouts and crew details.
U Size/type Details of length, breadth, tonnage and type, etc. as required.
V Medic Doctor, physician's assistant, nurse, personnel without medical training on board.
W Persons State the total number of persons on board (e.g. 28 crew = W.28).
X Remarks Any other useful information including, as appropriate, brief description of incident and of other ships involved either in incident, assistance of salvage.
Y Relay Content of report. Request to relay report to another system.
Z End of report No further information required.
5.2 The ship reports will normally contain the following groups:
a) Sailing Plan: GEOREP SP
A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, N, O, P, U, V, W
b) Position Report: GEOREP PR
A, B, C, E, F, N
c) Deviation Report: GEOREP DR
A, B, C, E, F, L, N, X
d) Final Report: GEOREP FR
A, B, C, K
5.3 Dangerous Goods Reports (DGR) should contain the following groups:
A, B, C (or D), M, Q, R, S, T, U, X of the standard reporting format.
5.4 Harmful Substances Reports (HS) - should contain the following groups:
A, B, C (or D), E, F, L, M, N, Q, R, S, T, U, X of the standard reporting format.
5.5 A full stop ``.'' should be used after each code (e.g. A) and a space between each code. All reports should include system identifier GEOREP and code for appropriate report (e.g. GEOREP SP). Masters should only include those components listed above. Others may be included at the Master's discretion if relevant to the type of report.
6. Method of Passing Reports:  All GEOREP messages should be forwarded though MRCC Georgia using email, radio-telegraphy, radio-telephony, Inmarsat or radio-telex.
The State Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC GEORGIA), based in Batumi, is responsible for the co-ordination of all maritime distress, safety and oil pollution incidents within the Maritime Search and Rescue Region of Georgia. Harbour Masters are responsible within the port area and up to 12 n.m. around the port.
MRCC Georgia (Batumi), 4 Shavsheti Street, Batumi 6017, Georgia. T: +995 (422) 273913. Fax: +995 (422) 273905. [email protected] A1 Channel 16 (DSC 70). A2-2182 kHz, 2187,5 kHz. Call sign ``SAR Georgia''. MMSI 002130100
Telex country code: +683, mobile code +995 – 77 or +995 – 99.
By Radio-Telephone (HF):  Vessels to contact MRCC on any of the following watch and reply frequencies and pass on the report on the assigned working channel.
a) 2310 / 2182 kHz H24  
b) 2800 / 2100 kHz (Ch) H24  
c) 8752 / 8228 kHz (Ch) H24  
d) 4357 / 4065 kHz (Ch) H24  
e) 17329 / 16447 kHz (Ch) H24  
f) 22732 / 22036 kHz (Ch) H24  
By Radio-Telephony (VHF):  Vessels to call MRCC on any one of the following channels and pass the report on the assigned working channel.
  1. Channel 16
  2. Channel 26
7. Overdue Ships:  If a ship does not report at the indicated time, action will be taken to check the safety of the ship. To avoid unnecessary search action being initiated, it is important that ships report at the nominated reporting time each day and send their Final Report when leaving the GEOREP area. If a ship is unable to pass a position report due to faulty radio equipment, all attempts should be made to pass through other ships (via VHF) or as soon as it arrives at a port.
8. Inquiries on GEOREP:  Any inquiries on GEOREP should be addressed to Maritime Transport Administration of Georgia.
POLLUTION:  All vessels in Georgian SRR are requested to report oil pollution and accidents which could lead to pollution. The report, which is free of charge, should be sent through MRCC Georgia.
The message should commence with the word GEOPOLREP and contain the following information:
  1. date and name of oil pollution
  2. position
  3. wind direction and speed at sea surface
  4. sea state
  5. origin of pollution, e.g. collision, stranding
  6. name, tonnage and nationality of vessel causing pollution
  7. names of vessels in the vicinity
  8. information on type of oil
  9. dimensions of the oil slick, estimated amount of oil spilled, any possible information on thickness of oil layer
  10. measures already taken by the Master to stop further escape of oil or to combat floating oil
  11. details of observer.
MRCC Georgia. T: +995 (422) 273913. F: +995 (422) 273905. [email protected]
MEDICAL:  Medical facilities in Tbilisi are available but can be expensive. Outside Tbilisi, medical facilities are limited. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
Poisonous snakes are common, particularly in early summer.
Don’t drink tap water. Bottled water is widely available.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your stay in Georgia, dial 033 from a landline or 112 from a mobile and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
POLICE/AMBULANCE/FIRE:  T: 112.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRE:  The main legal act regulated SAR operations in Georgia is Law of Georgia on Sea Rescue Service-2000/2011.
In order to meet and apply the requirements of the International Convention SAR/1979, the Maritime Transport Agency (MTA) has been legally appointed as the responsible authority to perform the management and mission coordination for SAR activities, as well as the monitoring vessel traffic within the area under the Georgian responsibility through MRCC-Georgia.
MRCC Georgia operates on the basis of COSPAS-SARSAT rules and procedures obtained SAR Point Of Contact (SPOC) status in the SAR area of responsibility Georgia.
MRCC is the organisation which carries out prompt and effective search and rescue operations in the whole area of Georgian responsibility.
Harbour Master acts as On-scene Commander in Port responsibility area (12 n.m.).
MRCC Georgia has the following SAR and OSR facilities and capabilities:
  1. AIS receiver station
  2. Navi Harbour VTS data from Kulevi port
  3. GMDSS standard equipment's for Sea Area A1 and A2
  4. capability to send mails to Inmarsat C terminals
  5. fax, telephone
  6. Lloyd’s List Intelligence AIS System
  7. VT Explorer - Vessel Tracking System
  8. NAVTEX receiver
  9. search planning program (SAR-PC)
  10. spilled oil drifting calculating and modelling system (Black SeaTrackWeb)
  11. oil spill response equipment to tier 2 spillage liquidation and boom deployment boat
  12. weather forecasts MRCC Georgia receive from Georgian State Hydrography Service.
Currently MRCC Georgia does not have any SAR boats. In case of SAR operations MRCC uses Georgian Coast Guard vessels and Batumi, Supsa, Poti, and Kulevi port tugs in accordance to the Georgian SAR plan.
    Contact: 
  • MRCC Georgia. MMS I: 002130100. T: +995 (422) 273913. F: +995 (422) 273905. [email protected]
    VHF Channels 16, 6, 13, 68, 77, range 30 n.m. RT (MF) 2182 kHz, range 150 – 200 n.m.
  • Batumi RSC (Batumi Harbour Master's Office). MMSI 002130200. T: +995 (422) 276792. F: +995 (422) 276792. [email protected]
    VHF Channels 16, 6, 13, 68, 77, range 25 n.m.
  • Poti RSC (Poti Harbour Master's Office). MMS I: 002130300. T: +995 (493) 277866. F: +995 (493) 277866. [email protected]
    VHF Channels 16, 6, 13, 68, 77, range 25 n.m.
  • Kulevi RSC (Kulevi Harbour Master's Office). MMS I: 002130400. T: +995 (32) 224 3828. F: +995 (32) 224 3828. [email protected]
    VHF Channels 16, 6, 13, 68 and 77, range 25 n.m.
TIME:  GMT plus 4 hours in winter and 5 hours in summer.
HOLIDAYS:  1 January (New Year's Day); 7 January (Eastern Orthodox Christmas Day); 19 January (Eastern Orthodox Epiphany); 3 March (Mother's Day); Easter; 9 April (Day of National Unity); 9 May (1945 Victory Day); 12 May (St Andrew the First Called Day); 26 May (Independence Day); 28 August (Assumption of Mary); 14 October (Svetitskhovloba); 23 November (St George's Day).
NOTICES:  Abkhazian territorial waters of Georgia are closed for navigation, except for humanitarian purposes as defined by the Decree of the President of Georgia No. 313, dated 3 August 2004, Decree of the Georgian Government No. 57 on Traffic Separation Schemes in the Territorial Waters and Establishment of the Sea Corridors and Special Maritime Zones dated 15 January 2014 and the Georgian Law on Occupied Territories dated 30 September 2008. Therefore respective notification on above mentioned has been submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and international community.
In 2008, the closed status of the ports located in Abkhazia, Georgia was reiterated in the Georgian Law on Occupied Territories of Georgia which defines the waters adjacent to the coastline from the River Psou to the River Enguri, including internal waters, territorial sea, continental shelf and EEZ, as being occupied territory and prohibits navigation of all types of vessels therein, except for those for humanitarian purposes. Any kind of economic activities are also restricted and violations of this law might be subjected to investigation and persons/companies held responsible/liable.
Despite the above-mentioned restrictions and prohibitions, numbers of vessels flying under the flag of different countries have entered closed ports and territorial waters of Abkhazia.
According to Order of the President of Georgia No. 313, dated 3 August 2004 on Maritime Area of Abkhazia, Georgia, for the Purpose of Protection of Rights, Territorial Integrity, Sovereignty and Safety of Georgia, District No. 34 of the northern part of territorial sea is temporarily restricted for navigation. In accordance with the Art.33 (adjacent zone) UN Convention of Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Georgia performs strict control of implementation of fiscal, immigration, sanitary and customs norms in the adjacent zone of 12 n.m.
District No. 34:  Located in the northern part of Georgian territorial waters, and is bound by the following coordinates:
e) 43° 23.08′ N, 040° 00.36′ E
f) 43° 14.42′ N, 039° 48.54′ E
g) 43° 12.00′ N, 040° 00.24′ E
h) 43° 05.42′ N, 040° 04.24′ E
I) 43° 02.00′ N, 040° 09.00′ E
j) 42° 59.06′ N, 040° 14.48′ E
k) 42° 58.06′ N, 040° 23.36′ E
l) 42° 55.30′ N, 040° 28.48′ E
m) 42° 54.36′ N, 040° 35.12′ E
n) 42° 54.00′ N, 040° 43.48′ E
o) 42° 52.24′ N, 040° 46.00′ E
p) 42° 49.00′ N, 040° 51.30′ E
q) 42° 43.24′ N, 040° 55.00′ E
r) 42° 39.24′ N, 040° 59.36′ E
s) 42° 37.24′ N, 041° 05.24′ E
t) 42° 36.24′ N, 041° 13.00′ E
u) 42° 35.24′ N, 041° 15.18′ E
v) 42° 31.06′ N, 041° 17.00′ E
w) 42° 23.07′ N, 041° 18.23′ E
x) 42° 24.30′ N, 041° 33.23′ E.
Also see Sukhumi.
WEATHER/TIDES:  For weather information contact the State Hydrographic Service Georgia. T: +995 (493) 278403. [email protected] www.hydrography.ge/
SHORE LEAVE:  The political situation in Georgia is generally calm, but demonstrations and opposition rallies can occur, in particular around Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, as well as in other large towns. Demonstrations are usually policed but tensions can escalate without warning. You should check local media, stay away from any large gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.
Crime levels are low; however, there are incidents of pick-pocketing and burglary involving foreign nationals. You should exercise particular caution in areas frequented by tourists. In Tbilisi there have been recent reports of aggressive pick-pocketing in the area around Freedom Square.
Take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, remain aware of your surroundings and keep your mobile phone charged and with you at all times.
There have been reports of sexual assaults by taxi drivers after dark.
Although Georgian legislation protects all people’s human rights and equality, ethnic minorities and LGBT individuals may face discrimination. There have been reports of harassment and assaults based on race and sexuality.
Updated travel advice available from the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office website, www.gov.uk/fcdo/
AUTHORITY:  National Authority:  LEPL Maritime Transport Agency (Georgia), Ministry of Economy & Sustainable Development, 50 Baku Str., 6000 Batumi, Georgia. T: +995 (422) 274925. F: +995 (422) 273929. [email protected] www.mta.gov.ge Contact: Maritime Safety Department. [email protected] Captain Avtandil Kvariani, Head of Maritime Safety Department. T: +995 (422) 274925. M: +995 599 293743. [email protected]