---
title: "Maritime Safety Compliance"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-safety-compliance-en"
field: "Aviation & Maritime Law"
description: "Maritime safety compliance in Georgia: seaworthiness, shipowner duties and certification under the Maritime Code. Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-15"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Maritime Safety Compliance

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-safety-compliance-en

## Maritime Safety Compliance: the Frame and the Actors

The Maritime Code of Georgia makes maritime safety compliance a precondition for a ship's operation. Under Article 38 of the Code, a ship is allowed to navigate if its condition conforms to the requirements established by Georgia's international treaties on the safety of navigation, the protection of the marine environment and maritime security, or by Georgian legislation. Conformity is determined by the Agency and/or a recognized organization under the relevant chapter of the Code. Every departure of a ship to sea therefore depends on maintaining conformity with the safety requirements, and responsibility for that conformity is distributed by law among defined actors.

The central figure is the shipowner. Under Article 14 of the Code, the shipowner is the owner of the ship — a natural or legal person registered in the relevant book of the State Register of Ships of Georgia. Article 44-1 extends this circle: the operator of a ship is the shipowner or any other person — a manager or a bareboat charterer — to whom the shipowner has entrusted the responsibility for managing the ship and who, upon assuming that responsibility, has declared consent to perform all obligations provided for by Georgian legislation and to bear the respective liability.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-safety-compliance-en

### When may a ship navigate?

When its condition conforms to safety, environmental and maritime security requirements, as determined by the Agency or a recognized organization.

### Who answers for the ship's condition?

The shipowner — the registered owner; management may be entrusted to an operator.

### Which ship is a passenger ship?

One carrying more than 12 passengers.

### Who issues certificates?

The Agency or a delegated inspector/recognized organization; certificates with exceptions are endorsed by the Agency.