An Overview of MARPOL: Prevention of Pollution from Ships

MARPOL is an acronym for “marine pollution.” The term MARPOL 73/78 is used to refer to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (as later modified by the Protocol of 1978). MARPOL is under governance by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

MARPOL is a significant international marine convention intended to protect and preserve marine environment and water quality. Any person or company that operates a vessel in federal or international waters should have familiarity and understanding of MARPOL guidelines, regulations and best practices.

Among the key objectives of MARPOL is the prevention of water pollution. This means minimizing such activities as;

• dumping of waste or other hazardous materials (plastic, chemicals, garbage);
• oil leakage and spills; and
• excessive exhaust.

The MARPOL convention addresses both preventable (operational) and unintentional (accidental) actions that result in pollution. Failure to comply with MARPOL protocol may result in fines and other costly sanctions.

Best Practices Under MARPOL and Other Relevant Guidelines

MARPOL guidelines call for shipping company best practices that include:

• undergoing or leading routine audits that target internal and external operations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations;
• providing training in how to complete oil record books to satisfy IMO standards;
• providing vessel crew and shipping company staff with appropriate and accurate training on environmental awareness and compliance with MARPOL regulations;
• providing training for the use and operation of an Oily Water Separator; and
• ensuring compliance with MARPOL protocol.

Specialized MARPOL training is available for crews and those who manage vessels. This education may help a company avoid fees and other costs associated with running afoul of MARPOL regulations.

A Brief Overview of MARPOL Annexes

MARPOL currently includes six annexes that address many of the convention’s most relevant regulations and guidelines. they are as follows:

• Annex I (established in 1983)– Addresses the prevention of oil-related pollution that may occur as a result of operational or accidental events. One of the significant aspects of this annex is the requirement that oil tankers have double hills.

• Annex II (established in 1983)– Addresses guidelines for the discharge and carriage of noxious liquid substances transported in bulk. One of the significant aspects of this annex is the prohibition of the discharge of residual substances within 12 miles of shore.

• Annex III (established in 1992)– Addresses standards for packing, labeling, stowing and so forth of harmful materials transported by sea.

• Annex IV (established in 2003)– Addresses the issue of vessel sewage and the discharge of such materials.

• Annex V (established in 1988 and revised in 2013)– Addresses the disposal of garbage at sea. For example, it is the responsibility of the shipper to tell a port when a cargo is likely to cause problems, and a port’s responsibility to provide reception facilities for dry bulk cargo residues and hold wash water.

• Annex VI (established in 2005) – Addresses limitations on a vessel’s emissions and exhaust.

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