This Act amends the Shipping Act [CAP 53] by inserting a new Part (1A) specifying general maritime requirements and a new part (4A) on casualties and inquiry into casualties. The Act also inserts a new section (39A) on protection of Vanuatu waters from pollution. This section applies to any vessel that operates in, or enters Vanuatu waters, regardless of the place of its registration. A vessel to which the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships applies must: (a) comply with the design and pollution prevention equipment provisions specified in that Convention; and (b) operate in a manner that complies with the requirements specified in that Convention. A pollutant or harmful substance must not be discharged from a vessel into Vanuatu waters, unless the discharge is permitted by an applicable International Convention, or by Regulations made under this Act. The Act also provides for the licensing of (fishing) vessels, redefines regulation-making powers of the Minister and prescribes penalties for offences.