Senior Department of the National Unit for Marine Environment Protection

The Marine Environment Protection Division is focused on protecting the seas and coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Eilat, and the Dead Sea.

It does this in a myriad of ways, including:

• Prevention of marine pollution from land-based sources
• Prevention of marine pollution from sea vessels carrying oil and chemicals
• Prevention of marine pollution from port facilities and marine terminals
• Management of and preparedness for oil spills, in the event they should occur
• Setting environmental policy for marine and coastal infrastructure
• Planning and supervision of coastal environmental protection
• Coordination of activities of Inter-ministerial Committee on Discharge Permits to Sea
• Coordination of sea monitoring programs, and of research and information in the marine environment
• Supervision and enforcement of laws, including investigation of violators of the law
• Involvement with creation of national legislation and regulations
• Implementation of guidelines, agreements, and international Conventions related to marine and coastal environments
• Education and raising public awareness about protecting the seas and coasts

The enforcement powers of the unit's inspectors are dervied from the following laws:

• Environmental Protection Law (2011)
• Prevention of Seawater Pollution by Oil Ordinance (New Version), 1980
• Prevention of Seawater Pollution Regulations (Marine Environment Protection Fee), 1983
• Prevention of Sea Pollution from Land-Based Sources Law, 1988
• Prevention of Sea Pollution Law (Dumping of Waste), 1983
• Ports Regulations (1971)
• Ports Regulations (Loading and unloading of oils), 1975
• Ports Regulations (Prohibition of waste disposal from vessels), 2010
• Maintenance of Clealiness Law (1984)
• Licensing of Businesses Law (1968)
• Hazardous Substances Law (1993)
• Water Law (1959)
• ISGOTT international safety guide for oil tankers and terminals