A place of refuge for ships is a safe harbor or other secure place where a ship in distress can safely be taken to "prevent further damage or deterioration of the ship". [1]
It is often claimed that under international maritime law, "no port may be closed to a foreign ship seeking shelter from storm or bad weather or otherwise compelled to enter it in distress, unless another equally safe port is open". [2]
However, there are many limitations to this principle, especially when the ship may pose environmental or other dangers to the port. [3] [4] [5]
A place of refuge for ships is a safe harbor or other secure place where a ship in distress can safely be taken to "prevent further damage or deterioration of the ship". [1]
It is often claimed that under international maritime law, "no port may be closed to a foreign ship seeking shelter from storm or bad weather or otherwise compelled to enter it in distress, unless another equally safe port is open". [2]
However, there are many limitations to this principle, especially when the ship may pose environmental or other dangers to the port. [3] [4] [5]