MARPOL
(INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS)

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The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.

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Just like SOLAS, which regulates the shipping industry to follow minimum standards to safeguard life at sea, MARPOL is another important convention which safeguards the marine environment against ship pollution. MAPOL and SOLAS are considered to be two effective safety and environmental protection tools of IMO.

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All ships flagged under countries that are signatories to MARPOL are subject to its requirements, regardless of where they sail and member nations are responsible for vessels registered on their national ship registry.

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Annex I—Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil

This regulation was adopted on 2nd October 1983 to control and prevent any oil discharge from ship intentionally or accidentally. It comprises of 11 chapters which together contains 47 Regulations.

Annex II—Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk

This Annex was adopted on 6th of April 1987  which deals with the control and prevent pollution due to the noxious liquid substance in bulk, intentionally or accidentally. It comprises of 10 chapters which together contains 22 Regulations.

Annex III—Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried in Sea in Packaged Form

This Annex deals with those substances which are hazardous in nature and carried in packaged cargo. The identification of such material is provided in the IMDG Code. The MARPOL Annex III came into force on 1 July 1992 and comprised of 2 Chapters containing 11 regulations.

Annex IV—Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships

Entered into force on 27 September 2003, this Annex focuses on prevention of sewage pollution from ships. It has 7 Chapters comprising of 18 Regulations.Chapter 1 gives a general description about MARPOL ANNEX IV and consist of 3 regulations which explains the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used in the chapter and “Application” of this chapter in different types of ships. The regulation may not be applicable to all types of ship hence a separate section of “Exceptions” is also provided.

Annex V—Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships

This annexe deals with the garbage produced onboard ships and ways to prevent pollution from the same. It was enforced on 31 December 1988, having 3 Chapters with 14 Regulations.Chapter 1 gives general details on MARPOL ANNEX II and consists of 10 regulations providing the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used in the chapter under Regulation 1 and explains the “Application” of this chapter in different types of ship Regulation 2.

Annex VI—Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships

This MARPOL Annex deals explicitly with ways to prevent air pollutions from ships. It came into force on 19th May 2005 having five chapters with 25 Regulations.Chapter 1 gives a general description about MARPOL ANNEX VI and consists of 4 regulations which explain the “Application” of this chapter in different types of the ship along with the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used in the chapter. The regulation may not apply to all types of ship hence a separate section of “Exceptions” and “Exemptions” is also provided. It also explains the condition where an administrator may allow alternative fittings, materials, appliances etc. to be installed on ships to fulfil this annex.Chapter 2 lists the survey, certification, and means of control dealing with air pollution from the ship. It has 7 Regulation with Regulation 5 explaining the need of different surveys for the vessel having the arrangement to prevent air pollution followed by issuing and endorsing of International Air Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificate and International Energy Efficiency Certificates (IEEC) in Regulation 6.