Hotel Service Unit 17 Q2

  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)

The THREE recognised complimentary garbage handling techniques

MARPOL Annex V recognizes three complementary garbage handling techniques that ships can employ to effectively manage waste onboard and minimize environmental impact:

  1. Separation:
  • Description: Involves separating different types of garbage at the source, such as food waste, plastics, paper, glass, and other materials.
  • Importance:
    • Facilitates proper disposal and recycling of specific waste streams.
    • Prevents contamination of recyclable materials with non-recyclables.
    • Reduces the overall volume of waste requiring disposal.
  1. Collection and Storage:
  • Description: Gathering the separated garbage in designated bins or containers and storing them safely in appropriate storage areas on board.
  • Importance:
    • Prevents the spread of odors, pests, and diseases.
    • Ensures that garbage is readily available for proper disposal or discharge when permitted.
    • Facilitates efficient handling and transfer of garbage at port reception facilities.
  1. Processing:
  • Description: Involves treating or transforming garbage to reduce its volume, facilitate storage, or make it suitable for specific disposal methods.
  • Common processing methods include:
    • Compaction: Reducing the volume of garbage by compressing it.
    • Incineration: Burning certain types of garbage in an onboard incinerator.
    • Comminution or grinding: Breaking down food waste into smaller particles before discharge.
  • Importance:
    • Minimizes the volume of garbage requiring storage or disposal.
    • Can make certain types of garbage suitable for discharge under MARPOL regulations.
    • Facilitates efficient waste handling and reduces the environmental impact of disposal.

These three techniques—separation, collection & storage, and processing—work in tandem to form a comprehensive garbage management system on board vessels. By implementing these practices effectively, ships can comply with MARPOL Annex V regulations, minimize their environmental impact, and contribute to cleaner oceans.

Garbage Management Plan

A Garbage Management Plan (GMP) is a crucial document onboard vessels, mandated by MARPOL Annex V, that outlines the procedures and practices for handling garbage to prevent marine pollution. Here’s a breakdown of its basic requirements:

1. Written Procedures:

  • Minimization: Strategies for reducing garbage generation onboard, such as avoiding single-use plastics, efficient inventory management, and proper packaging.
  • Collection: Procedures for collecting and segregating garbage into the designated MARPOL categories (plastics, food waste, domestic waste, etc.).
  • Storage: Guidelines for proper storage of garbage in designated areas and containers, considering segregation, labeling, and hygiene requirements.
  • Processing: Procedures for any onboard garbage processing, like compaction or incineration, including operating instructions and safety precautions.
  • Disposal: Clear instructions for the disposal of garbage, whether it’s discharge at sea (when permitted) or delivery to port reception facilities.

2. Equipment and Facilities:

  • Garbage Storage Areas: Description of the location, capacity, and intended use of garbage storage areas on board.
  • Processing Equipment: Description and operating instructions for any onboard garbage processing equipment (e.g., incinerator, compactor).
  • Garbage Collection and Handling Equipment: Details of the bins, containers, and other equipment used for garbage collection and handling.

3. Crew Responsibilities:

  • Designated Person: Identification of the crew member(s) responsible for implementing and overseeing the GMP.
  • Training: Outline of training programs for crew members on garbage management procedures, including separation, handling, and disposal.

4. Record Keeping:

  • Garbage Record Book: Procedures for maintaining the Garbage Record Book, documenting all garbage handling and disposal activities, as required by MARPOL Annex V.

5. Port Reception Facilities:

  • Procedures: Outline the procedures for delivering garbage to port reception facilities, including communication with port authorities and documentation requirements.
  • List of Facilities: A list of available port reception facilities, their contact information, and the types of garbage they accept.

6. Special Areas:

  • Additional Requirements: If the vessel operates in MARPOL Special Areas with stricter garbage disposal regulations, the GMP should include specific procedures for compliance in those areas.

7. Emergency Procedures:

  • Spill Response: Procedures for responding to accidental garbage spills, including containment and cleanup measures.

8. Review and Updates:

  • Regular Review: The GMP should be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in regulations, ship operations, or best practices.

Additional Considerations:

  • Clarity and Accessibility: The GMP should be written in clear language, easily understandable by the crew, and readily available onboard.
  • Company Policy: The GMP should align with the company’s environmental policy and commitment to responsible waste management.
  • Crew Involvement: Encourage crew participation in developing and implementing the GMP to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for garbage management.

By adhering to these basic requirements and tailoring the GMP to the specific needs of the vessel, ship operators can effectively manage garbage onboard, minimize their environmental impact, and ensure compliance with MARPOL regulations.

E-Waste

E-Waste, short for

Electronic Waste, refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices that have reached the end of their useful life or are no longer desired. It encompasses a wide range of products, including:

1. github.com

2. What is e-waste and what can we do about it? | Natural History Museum

E-waste poses several environmental and health concerns due to:  

1. Electronic waste (e-waste) – World Health Organization (WHO)

Proper management of e-waste is crucial for environmental protection and resource conservation. It involves:  

1. E-waste is going to waste – but a new international standard could change that – ECOS

By implementing effective e-waste management strategies, we can reduce environmental pollution, conserve valuable resources, and protect human health.  

1. The impact of e-waste recycling on natural resource conservation