Revision of MARPOL Annex V

Members are reminded the revised Marpol Annex V is due to enter into force on 01 January 2013.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) issued a revised Annex V to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) under Resolution MEPC.201(62). A copy of the Resolution can be read here.

The revision reverses the historical presumption that garbage may be discharged into the sea based on the nature of the garbage and defined distances from shore and now prohibits the discharge of all types of garbage into the sea unless explicitly permitted in regulations 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Annex. Regulation 7 allows for limited exceptions to these regulations to cover emergencies or non-routine situations.

The new regulations generally restrict discharge overboard to food wastes, identified cargo residues which are not covered by other Annexes to the Convention, animal carcasses, identified cleaning agents and additives and cargo residues entrained in hold washwater which are not harmful to the marine environment. Where possible, it is recommended that all garbage is discharged to appropriate port reception facilities.

Cargo residues from solid bulk cargoes
Cargo residues are included in the definition of garbage under Annex V Regulation 1.9, and may be discharged in accordance with Regulations 4 and 6 as long as they are not considered harmful to the marine environment.

Cargo residues are considered harmful to the marine environment if they are residues of solid bulk substances which are classified according to the criteria of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

Solid bulk cargoes should be classified and declared by the shipper as to whether or not they are harmful to the marine environment. Such declaration should be included in the information required in section 4.2 of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.

Prior to loading, Members are advised to liaise with shippers and ports of discharge to determine whether the cargoes they are carrying have been classified as harmful to the marine environment under MARPOL annexAnnex V and if so, that suitable reception facilities are available.

Cargo residues that are harmful to the marine environment may require special handling not normally provided by reception facilities. Ports and terminals receiving such cargoes should have adequate reception facilities for all relevant residues, including when contained in wash water.

In order to assist with the implementation of and to ensure compliance with the revised MARPOL Annex V requirements, the Marine Environmental Protection Committee have issued Resolution MEPC.219(63) – 2012 Guidelines for the Implementation of MARPOL Annex V, a copy of which can be read here.

Please click here for a simplified overview of discharge criteria.

Reception Facilities
Under Regulation 8 of Annex V, governments must ensure that adequate port reception facilities for garbage from ships are provided and should facilitate and promote their use.