国内英语新闻:New regulation to ensure maritime observation

Such data should be provided free of charge to help the decision-making of government departments, as well as for disaster prevention and mitigation, national defense and safeguarding public security.

The regulation also provides that international and foreign organizations should abide by Chinese law when conducting maritime observations within Chinese territory.

Moreover, the regulation details rules on guaranteeing the public fast and convenient access to marine forecasts and disaster warnings.

Media outlets designated by local governments at county level or above should publish or broadcast marine forecast and disaster warnings in a timely fashion, according to the regulation.

In order not to mislead the public, "units that are not marine-forecasting government departments and individuals are not allowed to disclose relevant information," it says.

The regulation also specifies penalties, such as warnings, fines and referral to criminal prosecution, for cover-up, missing and delayed report of maritime disasters as well as dereliction of duty in maritime observation and forecasting.