Hotel Service Unit 17 MARPOL – Garbage Q2 – Answer

  1. With reference to MARPOL Annex V:
    (a) list the THREE recognised complimentary garbage handling techniques;(3)
    (b) describe the basic requirements of a Garbage Management Plan;(5)
    (c) define what is meant by E-Waste.(2)

(a) Three recognised complementary garbage handling techniques (3 marks)

  1. Avoidance / Minimisation at source – reduce the amount of garbage generated onboard through careful purchasing and storage practices.
  2. Reuse / Recycling – segregate suitable waste streams (e.g., paper, plastics, metals, glass) for recycling ashore.
  3. Disposal – proper onboard treatment (e.g., incineration) or disposal in accordance with MARPOL Annex V discharge criteria.

(b) Basic requirements of a Garbage Management Plan (5 marks)

The Garbage Management Plan (GMP) must:

  1. Provide procedures for collecting, storing, processing, and disposing of garbage.
  2. Identify the person responsible for carrying out the plan (usually the Master or a designated officer).
  3. Include procedures for minimising garbage and promoting recycling where possible.
  4. Detail methods for segregation of different garbage categories as per Annex V.
  5. Be written in the working language of the crew and available for inspection by Port State Control.

(c) Definition of E-Waste (2 marks)

  • E-Waste (Electronic Waste) refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment such as computers, printers, batteries, fluorescent tubes, and circuit boards.
  • It is considered hazardous due to the presence of toxic substances (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium) and requires special handling and disposal ashore.