Colombian Maritime Regulations 

On February 27, 2018, the General Maritime Direction (“DIMAR”) issued Resolution No. 135 of 2018, which compiles the Colombian Maritime Regulations (“REMAC”). The main purpose of REMAC is to compile all resolutions currently in force related to maritime matters that have been issued by DIMAR and by local port authorities. 

REMAC bears a special relevance for companies and investors interested in offshore hydrocarbons production since it compiles all general regulations applicable to maritime activities, as well as specific regulations related to loading, transportation and unloading of hydrocarbons, emergency procedures in case of hydrocarbon spills and waste management derived from hydrocarbons.  

Please find below a brief summary of the matters covered by REMAC: 

1. Definitions: 

Definitions and terminology applicable to maritime activities.

2. General Matters: 

Rules related to anchorage areas and the scope of authority attributed to the various maritime authorities. 

3. Sea personnel, land support and companies: 

Requirements and qualifications for individuals involved in navigation activities; technical and educational requirements of land support personnel; and classification of marine service companies. 

4. Maritime activities: 

General rules regarding maritime security, requirements for vessels and naval artifacts, technical aspects of maritime transportation, obtention of scientific information, the national maritime search and rescue system, and technical regulations for shipyards and naval repair shops.

5. Protection of the marine environment and littorals: 

Technical regulations for the protection of water, management of water ballast and sediments, and integral management of wastes from vessels, among others. 

6. Insurances and tariffs: 

Rules pertaining to insurance and guarantees that must be obtained by the different maritime actors, as well as the rates applicable to maritime services. 

7. Violations of merchant marine rules: 

Regulations for the violation of merchant marine rules and their respective sanctions. 

8. Special and temporary requests: 

Regulations of special requests (for example, submarine cable landings), among other matters. 

Please enter the following link in order to see Resolution No. 135 of 2018:

Resolución No. 135 

Please enter the following link in order to see the contents of the REMAC:  

Reglamento Marítimo Colombiano (Remac)