Article 9
Role of the competent authorities 1. Without prejudice to the rights and obligations of the master provided under Regulation VI/7.7 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, Member States shall ensure that their competent authorities prevent or halt the loading or unloading of solid bulk cargoes whenever they have clear indications that the safety of the ship or crew would be endangered thereby. 2. In cases where the competent authority is informed of disagreement between the master and the terminal representative as to the application of the procedures provided for in Article 8, the competent authority shall intervene where this is required in the interests of safety and/or the marine environment.