Decree-Law No. 3/2018 approving the Maritime Authority System (SAM). Country/Territory Sao Tome and Principe Document type Legislation Date 2018 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Diário da República, No. 12, 19 February 2018. Subject Environment gen., Sea Keyword Marine pollution Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings Harbour Institution Navigation Marine area Monitoring Coastal zone management Inspection Geographical area Africa, Central Africa, Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States Entry into force notes This Decree-Law enters into force under legal conditions. Abstract This Decree-Law, consisting of 10 articles divided into two Chapters, approves the Maritime Authority System (SAM). It establishes that the National Maritime Authority (AMN) is created as the superior structure for administration and coordination of the bodies and services that, integrated in the Coast Guard, have competencies or develop actions within the ambit of SAM. SAM is the institutional framework formed by entities, bodies or services at the central, regional or local level which, with coordinating, executive, advisory or police functions, exercise powers of maritime authority. The purpose of SAM is to ensure compliance with the law in maritime areas under national jurisdiction, within the international law and other legislation in force. SAM is responsible for the following sectors: safety and navigation control; preservation and protection of natural resources (such as: underwater cultural heritage; marine environment, etc.); prevention and control of pollution; maritime signaling, navigation aids and warnings; supervision of economic activities of living and non-living resources; safeguarding human life at sea and maritime rescue; civil protection affecting the sea and the coastal zone; protection of public health; prevention and repression of crime; coastal and maritime safety and sea and river borders, etc. Full text Portuguese Website www.legis-palop.org