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This guidance aims to suggest corporate procedures for preventing bribery to comply with the law; assist companies to develop policies, tactics and training to better equip masters to resist demands for facilitation payments and; consequently reduce the frequency of such demands by developing a reputation for resisting, using collective action across the industry and in concert, with the UK and other interested states and authorities.
World economic growth and the prosperity of the shipping industry are closely linked. The UK shipping industry competes with others in providing transport and services on a global scale. As a place to locate ship operations and provide services to ships as mobile assets, the UK’s reputation for good governance and honesty is great. And thanks to the Bribery Act 2010, the UK has one of the strictest anti-corruption regimes in the world.
Upholding high standards is key when faced with challenging incidents in other parts of the world. Demands for facilitation payments remain endemic in places where corruption continues to be rife. This presents difficulties for operators committed to maintaining high standards.
The UK Chamber of Shipping has produced this guidance in the hope that the suggestions to resist and manage such incidents are recognised as a practical means of furthering the ultimate goal of eliminating such demands in the first place.
UK Chamber CEO, Guy Platten:
"The chamber has been supportive of UK government efforts to reduce corruption, and fully supports the aims and principles of the Bribery Act. However it also recognises the unique challenges faced by shipping firms and their staff as they conduct their business around the world. The UK chamber guidance will help firms to better understand the implications of the Act and provide practical and operational context for ship owners, operators and masters."
Preface
Foreword
Executive Summary
1. The Bribery Act 2010 and the purpose of this Guidance
2. Assessing the Risks
3. Demands for Facilitation Payments
4. Prosecutorial Discretion and Self-reporting to the Authorities
5. Collective Action
Annex A - Demands for Facilitation Payments: Master’s Flowchart