International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
What does MARPOL stands for?
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.
MARPOL Convention (Marine Pollution Convention) is an international convention for prevention of pollution by ships. It includes waste as waste waters and solid waste, same as discharge oils and air pollution by exhaust gasses with intention to completely prevent pollution by any of those substances.
MARPOL was signed on 17th February 1973. And until this day there are 156 states of the world backing it, what makes 99,42% of world fleet. All vessels sailing under MARPOL backing states flags are obligatory to satisfy regulations given by it. MARPOL is divided in more subcategories (Annexes), and every one of them is narrowed to a group of ship pollutants. Following annexes are most relevant for cruise ships.
Annex I – Prevention of oil and oily waters pollution Came into force on 2nd October 1983. It covers problem of oil pollution and also includes older criteria OILPOL from 1954. Two parts of Annex I are formed. The first part refers to engine room waste waters and following equipment as separators, scales and pumps. The second part refer to ballast tanks and cargo spaces that are also risky of oil pollution. Integrated part of Annex I is “Oil record book” which is used to register all the data about discharging oils.
Annex IV – Prevention of waste water pollution Group of regulations regarding adequate equipment and systems of waste water management before of their release into sea or transfer to port tanks. Latest amendments are regulating all vessels of 400 brut tons capable of carrying more than 15 people. Ships need to have waste water management system, disinfection equipment or storage tanks. Release of untreated waters is only possible when it had passed densification process on distances greater than 3 nautical miles from nearest land. In case of completely untreated waste waters distance must be greater than 12 nautical miles from nearest lad with controlled discharge speed and sailing speed not less than 4 knots. Release of wastewaters trough approved management system is possible at all locations considering there are no visible particles nor color change of surrounding sea.
Annex V – Prevention of solid waste pollution Sets rules regarding all forms of solid waste produced on the ship. Non-dissolvable and toxic materials make the biggest problem. Those materials are strictly banned for sea discharge, such as plastics, synthetic ropes, incinerator ashes, kitchen oil, paper, metal parts, and bottles of any kind and similar. Some sorts of waste can be discharged, such as food waste, nontoxic hygienic substances and animal carcasses. Even though Annex V is not obligatory, it is accepted by 150 signing countries of MARPOL. Several amendments had been proposed.
Q&A
Why does the MARPOL Convention created?
It was developed by the International Maritime Organization with an objective to minimize pollution of the oceans and seas, including dumping, oil and air pollution. The original MARPOL was signed on 17 February 1973, but did not come into force at the signing date.
Why does the MARPOL Convention created?
It was developed by the International Maritime Organization with an objective to minimize pollution of the oceans and seas, including dumping, oil and air pollution. The original MARPOL was signed on 17 February 1973, but did not come into force at the signing date.
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