MARPOL Overview

Introduction

• MARPOL is the international convention aimed at preventing pollution from ships.
• Relevant for a wide audience from pre-sea cadets to those preparing for competency exams.

Purpose of MARPOL

• Created to address pollution caused by the discharge of cargo such as oil, liquefied natural gases, and chemicals into the sea.
• Pollution from ships was causing environmental concerns, leading to the need for international guidelines.

History of MARPOL

• The convention was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1973 and later modified in 1978, hence the name MARPOL 73/78.

IMO Publications

• Various guidelines are available on board ships for the implementation of MARPOL.

Annexes of MARPOL

• MARPOL consists of six annexes, each addressing different types of pollution:

  Annex 1

  • Focus: Prevention of pollution by oil.
  • Enforcement: Came into force in 1983.

  Annex 2

  • Focus: Prevention of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk.
  • Enforcement: Came into force in 1984.

  Annex 3

  • Focus: Prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried in packaged form.
  • Enforcement: Came into force in 1992.

  Annex 4

  • Focus: Prevention of pollution by sewage from ships.
  • Enforcement: Came into force in 2003.

  Annex 5

  • Focus: Prevention of pollution by garbage from ships.
  • Enforcement: Came into force in 1988.

  Annex 6

  • Focus: Prevention of air pollution from ships.
  • Enforcement: Came into force in 2005.

Conclusion

• MARPOL is a crucial international framework for minimizing marine pollution from ships.
• Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on specific annexes, beginning with Annex 1.