Published by Raunek in Maritime Law On November 4, 2019

MARPOL (The
International
Convention for
Prevention of Marine
Pollution For Ships):
The Ultimate Guide
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.

Read: SOLAS – The Ultimate Guide

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MARPOL 73/78, since it came into force in 1973 and later
revised by the protocol in 1978, ensures that shipping remains
the least environmentally damaging modes of transport. It
clearly highlights the points to ensure that the marine
environment is preserved by the elimination of pollution by all
harmful substance which can be discharged from the ship.

Related Read: 5 Instruments of International Maritime

Organization (IMO) Every Seafarer Should Know

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This marine environmental convention consists of six ▾

implemented annexes for controlling and eliminating of marine
pollution.
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They are as follows:

Annex I:  Regulation for prevention of pollution by oil (October

1983).

Annex II: Regulations for control of pollution by Noxious Liquid

Substance in bulk (April 1987).

Annex III: Regulation for prevention of pollution by harmful

substance carried at sea in packaged form (July 1992).

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Annex IV: Regulation for prevention of pollution by sewage from

ships (Sep 2003).

Annex V: Regulation for prevention of pollution by Garbage from

ships (Dec 1998).

Annex VI: Regulation for prevention of Air pollution from ships

(May 2005).

They are as follows:

MARPOL Annex I
Regulation for the prevention of pollution by
oil (October 1983).
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. ▾
Chapter 1 gives a general description about MARPOL ANNEX I
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 deals with Surveys and Certifications requirement for

all oil tanker ships of 150GT and other sips of 400 GT. And
comprises of 5 regulations.

Related Read: How to Get Dangerous Cargo Endorsement

Certificate?

Regulation 6 describes the requirement for different surveys to

comply with MARPOL annex 1.

Regulation 7 provides the terms to issue or endorse the IOPP

certificate to the ship post successful survey by the appropriate
administration. Regulation 8 also describes how to issue or
endorse the certificates by another contracting government,
followed by Regulation 9 which tell the form of the certificate
including languages such as English or official language of
issuing country.

Regulation 10 explains the duration and validity of certificates

and provide timelines for renewal of certificates.

Regulation 11 terms the authority of port state control under

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Annex 1 to inspect the ship for compliance.
for all ships and list down the requirements under Regulation 12
to 17, so that the engine room and other machinery spaces are
compliant with the MARPOL Annex 1.

Regulation 12 explains the requirement of storage tanks for oil

residues produced on all types of the ship due to machinery
operation and method to dispose of the oil residue. It further
provides details to protect the fuel oil tanks for ships having
fuel oil capacity 600m3 and above.

Related Read: List of Important Tanks on a Ship

Regulation 13 describes the requirement for standard discharge

connection on a ship to dispose of oil residue from sludge and
bilge tanks.

Regulation 14 The requirements of oil filtration equipment

onboard ship for discharging engine room bilges or ballast
water from fuel oil tanks is given in this regulation, followed by
Regulation 15 which restricts the discharge of treated bilges in
special areas.

Related Read: An Overview Of Sludge And Bilge Management

Onboard Ships

Regulation 16 explains the requirement of segregating oil and

water ballast which is carried in the fuel tank of the ship.

Related Read: A Guide To Ballast Tanks On Ships

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Regulation 17 lists down the need for a compliant oil record
Chapter 4. deals with the Requirements of Cargo areas in an oil
tanker ship listing down various regulation (Regulation 18 to
36).

Chapter 5 describes how to prevent pollution which can arise

from an oil pollution incident. Regulation 37 which list the
SOPEP or Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency plan provides the
details.

Related Read: What is Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan

(SOPEP)?

Chapter 6 lists the requirement for the reception facilities to

which the ship will dispose of the oily bilge/ sludge to under
Regulation 38  providing details of the facility outside and inside
special areas.

Chapter 7 provides the special requirement for fixed or floating

platform to comply with Annex 1 of MARPOL with Regulation
39.

Chapter 8 deals with the prevention of pollution which may

happen during cargo oil in between tankers at sea also known
as Ship to Ship Transfer (STS). It comprises of 3 regulation from
40 to 42.

Related Read: What is Ship-to-Ship Transfer (STS) and

Requirements to Carry Out the Same?
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Regulation 40 provides the scope of application for this chapter
Regulation 42 which tells the notifications which need to be
provided by the ship to port state and all the other parties
involved in the operation.

Related Read: 7 Important Points For Safe Lightering Operations

On Ships

Chapter 9 carries the details for the special requirement for the
use of carriage of oils in the Antarctica area with Regulation 43.

Chapter 10 deals with the Verification of compliance with the

provision of this convention under Regulation 44 and 45,
providing details of the application and the process for
verification of compliance.

Chapter 11 list down the important requirement on international

code for ships operating in Polar waters under Regulation 46
and 47. Regulation 46 lists down the definition for this annexe
followed by Regulation 47 for application and requirement for
the ships sailing in polar waters.

MARPOL Annex II
Regulations for the control of pollution by
Noxious Liquid Substance in bulk (April 1987).
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. ▾
terminologies which are used in the chapter and explains the
“Application” of this chapter in different types of ship (Chemical
tankers etc.). The regulation may not be applicable to all types
of a 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 fulfill this annex.

Related Read: Different Types of Tankers: Extensive

Classification of Tanker Ships

Chapter 2 provides the details of different categories of

Noxious liquid substance under regulation 6.

Chapter 3 list down the need for surveys and certification with 4
regulations from regulation 7 to 10.  Regulation 7 deals with the
surveys and certifications needed by chemical tanker following
the provision of the International Bulk Chemical code.

Regulation 8 details the need for different surveys for the ships
carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk followed by issuing
and endorsing of the certificate under Regulation 9. The
duration and validity of the certificate are provided in Regulation
10.

Chapter 4 specifies the Design, Construction, arrangement, and

equipment for ships carrying Noxious cargo in bulk under
regulation 11, followed by Regulation 12 which provides the
details of pumping, piping, unloading arrangement and slop
tanks.
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substances.  Regulation 13 lists the need for control of
discharges of Noxious liquid substance residues.

Regulation 14 and 15 provide the details of Procedure and

arrangement manual and Cargo record book which needs to be
filled by the ships’ officers.

Chapter 6 which consist of Regulation 16 describe the role of

government and authorised parties such as port state control
on measures of control to check, survey and assess the ships
to carry the cargo under MARPOL Annex II.

Related Read: A List of Inspections And Surveys Deck Officers On

Ships Should Be Aware Of

Chapter 7 deals with Prevention of Pollution arising from an

incident involving noxious liquid substance and consist of
Regulation 17 giving the details of Shipboard pollution
emergency plan for noxious liquid substances.

Related Read: IMO: Compensation Regime For Hazardous And

Noxious Cargoes A Step Closer

Chapter 8 lists the requirement for the reception facilities to

which the ship can dispose of the residues and mixture
generated from noxious liquid substances under Regulation 38 
providing details of the facility and terminal unloading
arrangements.

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Chapter 9 deals with the Verification of compliance with the
provision of this convention under Regulation 19 and 20,
Chapter 10 list down the important requirement on international
code for ships operating in Polar waters under Regulation 21
and 22. Regulation 21 lists down the definition for this annex
followed by Regulation 22 for application and requirement for
the ships sailing in polar waters.

Related Read: How The IMO Polar Code Supports Safe And Eco-
Friendly Shipping

MARPOL Annex III

Regulation for prevention of pollution by
harmful substance carried at sea in packaged
form (July 1992).
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.

Related Read: What is Ithe international Maritime Dangerous

Goods Code (IMDG)?

Chapter 1 gives a general details on MARPOL ANNEX III and

consist of 9 regulations.

Regulations 1 & 2 explains the “Definition” of different

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terminologies which are used in the chapter and the
“Application” of this chapter in different types of ships which are
Marking/labelling of the packages carrying IMDG cargoes.

Regulation 5 provides the details of the documentation which

are needed by the ship which is carrying hazardous material
under MARPOL Annex 3

Related Read: A Guide To HAZMAT Cargo Loading On Ships

The storage requirement and quantity limitations for carrying

harmful substances in bulk are provided under Regulation 6 & 7.

Regulation 8 lists down the exceptions which a ship carrying

harmful cargo in bulk can have under various circumstances.

The authorisation of port-state control on the operational

requirement of ships carrying such substance under MARPOL
Annex III is listed in Regulation 9.

Chapter 2 deals with the Verification of compliance with the

provision of this convention providing details of the application
and the process for verification of compliance under Regulation
10 and 11.

MARPOL Annex IV
Regulation for the prevention of pollution by
sewage from ships (Sep 2003).
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.
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.

Related Read: MARPOL ANNEX 4 Explained: How to Prevent

Pollution from Sewage at Sea

Chapter 2 list down the need for surveys and certification with 5
regulations from regulation 4 to 8.  Regulation 4 deals with the
surveys to be done on ships implicated by this Annex.
Regulation 4 & 5 provide the details for issue or endorsement of
certificates by the administration and by another government. 
Regulation 7 & 8 gives details of form,  duration, and validity of
the sewage pollution prevention certificate.

Chapter 3 provides the need of having Equipment and control of

sewage discharge from the ship. Regulation 9 under this
chapter provides details of sewage system requirement on
ships followed by Regulation 10 and 11 for having a standard
sewage discharge connection to transfer sewage to port
facilities and discharge of sewage at sea within and outside
special areas.

Related Read: Sewage Treatment Plant on Ships Explained

Chapter 4 consist of 2 regulations (12 & 13) with the details of

the reception facilities requirement. Regulation 12 provides the
details to the government agencies regarding the compliance to
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have a reception facility and Regulation 13 lists down the
Related Read: Cruise Ship Sewage Discharges Into The Baltic Sea
To Be Banned

Chapter 5 which consist of Regulation 14 describe the role of

government and authorised parties such as port state control
on measures of control to check, survey and assess the ships
under MARPOL Annex IV.

Chapter 6 deals with the Verification of compliance with the

provision of this convention providing details of the application
and the process for verification of compliance under Regulation
15 and 16.

Chapter 7 list down the important requirement on international

code for ships operating in Polar waters under Regulation 17
and 18. Regulation 17 lists down the definition for this annex
followed by Regulation 18 for application and requirement for
the ships sailing in polar waters.

MARPOL Annex V
Regulation for the prevention of pollution by
Garbage from ships (Dec 1998).
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
of ship Regulation 2.

Related Read: ICS Publishes New Edition Of Industry Guidance

On Garbage Management Plans

Regulation 3 lists down the details of the general prohibition on

the discharge of garbage at sea followed by Regulation 4 for
the discharge of garbage outside special areas.

Regulation 5 specifies the special requirements for the

discharge of garbage from fixed and floating platforms. The
requirement for discharge of garbage in the special area is
given under Regulation 6.

Regulation 7 & 8 describes the receptions facilities exception

and requirements including those who are inside the special
areas.

Regulation 9 consist role of port-state control on measures of

control to check, survey and assess the ships under MARPOL
Annex V.

Regulation 10 deals with the need for Garbage Management

Plan (GMP) including record books and placards.

Related Read: What is Garbage Management Plan (GMP) on a

Ship?

Chapter 2 deals with the Verification of compliance with the

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provision of this convention under Regulation 11 and 12
and 14. Regulation 13 lists down the definition for the purpose
of this annex followed by Regulation 14 for application and
requirement for the ships sailing in polar waters.

MARPOL Annex VI
Regulation for prevention of Air pollution from
ships (May 2005).
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. ▾
Regulation 7 provides the details for issue or endorsement of
certificates and statement of compliance related to fuel oil
consumption reporting in Regulations 8 for both IOPP and
IEEC.  The details for the validity of these certificates are
provided in Regulation 9.

Related Read: Important MARPOL Amendments Enter Into Force

Regulation 10 terms the authority of port state control under

Annex VI to inspect the ship for compliance.

Regulation 11 explains how the administration and authorised

party can detect ships for the violation and how to enforce this
annexe.

Chapter 3 deals with the requirements for control of emissions

from ships and consist of 7 Regulations, starting with the
details of ozone-depleting substances in Regulation12 such as
in the refrigerant used on ships.

Related Read:  What are Ozone Depleting Substances on Ships?

Regulation 13 gives a brief about Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) with

different Tiers  (Tier I, II and III) in and outside the emission
control areas.

Related Read: What is Nitrogen Oxides or NOx air pollution from

Ships?

Regulation 14  gives a brief about Sulphur Oxides (SOx) with the
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requirement for the quantity of sulphur in the fuel oil as per the
year, in and outside emission controlled areas.
Ships?

The emissions of Volatile Organic Compound from the oil

tankers are taken into account in Regulation 15 providing the
details to comply with the requirements.

Regulation 16 talks about the shipboard incineration operations

and when the incineration is allowed.

Related Read: Construction and Working of Waste Oil Incinerator

Regulation 17 describes the receptions facilities requirements

for disposing of ozone-depleting substance, residue from
exhaust cleaning etc.

To comply with the exhaust emission requirements, proper fuel

oil is made available to burn on ships, whose condition is
described in Regulation 18.

Chapter 4 provides the Regulation on Energy Efficiency on Ships

having Regulations 19 to 23.  Regulation 19 talks about the
application of this chapter on ships of 400GT and above.

Related Read: How to Improve Energy Efficiency of Ships?

Regulation 20 and 21 provide the details of Attained Energy

Efficiency Design Index (Attained EEDI) and Required EEDI.

Related Read: Energy Efficiency Management in the Maritime

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Industry
Regulation 22. Further, the requirement for fuel oil consumption
data collection and reporting to the administration is also listed
in this regulation.

Related Read: What is Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan?

Regulation 23 talks about the technical cooperation between

different parties (Administration, Government agency, Shipping
company etc.) to improve the energy efficiency of ships.

Chapter 5 deals with the Verification of compliance with the

provision of this convention under Regulation 24 and 25.

Thus, SOLAS and MARPOL conventions stand as two solid

pillars that support the maritime industry by protecting the
most important issues – marine pollution prevention and safety
of human life.

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not

necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts,
if used, in the article have been sourced from available
information and have not been authenticated by any statutory
authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be
accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views
constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines
or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the
reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or

used in any form without the permission of the author and
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