Although they enjoy certain privileges, in general, Argentine vessels, except those in the coastal service, must comply with all regulations and pay all charges on the same basis as foreign flag vessels operating in Argentine waters. Decree 1772/92 also permits Argentine shipowners, on a temporary basis, to register their vessels under a foreign flag without loosing any of the benefits they acquire under the Argentine flag; ie. such vessels maintain their right to operate as Argentine vessels in the coastal trade reserved for the ships of Argentine registry.
Argentine coastal trade - foreign vessels
The National coastal trade is reserved exclusively for Argentine vessels (and foreign vessels operating under rules of Decree 1493/92), except in special circumstances. When articles of prime necessity are required or a contract has to be complied with, and no national flag ship is available, the Department of Shipping (Dirección Nacional de Transporte Fluvial y Marítimo) may authorize a foreign ship to participate.
Pilotage
Within certain limitations, Argentine vessels may be exempt from employing pilots.
Towage
Same rules apply as for foreign flag.
Watchmen
Use of shore watchmen on Argentine vessels is voluntary, but crew watchmen must be stationed at each gangway if shore watchmen are not employed.
Reservation of cargo for Argentine flag vessels
Regulations reserving cargoes were abolished by Art 27 of Decree 2284/91. Still in force however are agreements for traffic between Argentina and those countries included in bi-lateral agreements.
Bi-lateral agreements
Bi-lateral agreements have as a main objective to expedite trade between signatory countries. Argentina has signed, and since then incorporated to its legislation the laws indicated hereunder, agreements with the following countries:
Brazil Law 23.557 (except wheat and minerals in bulk)
Cuba Law 23.432
Russian Federation Law 22.353
Waivers are therefore required to permit vessels of third party flags to carry cargoes covered by the above laws. Such waivers are normally granted if neither of the participating countries has a ship in the required position within four days for carrying perishable cargoes and within 15 days for the carriage of general cargoes.
