CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 5 MARPOL – Garbage Q3

The International MARPOL Convention Annex V is a crucial part of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), specifically addressing the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships. Its primary goal is to minimize the amount of waste discharged into the sea from ships, protecting marine ecosystems and coastal environments.  

1. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization

2. MARPOL Annex V – Garbage from ships – revised – UK P&I Club

Key Provisions of MARPOL Annex V

• Garbage Definition: The annex defines garbage broadly, including all kinds of food wastes, domestic and operational wastes, all plastics, cargo residues, incinerator ashes, cooking oil, fishing gear, and animal carcasses generated during the normal operation of a ship.   1. safety4sea.com safety4sea.com2. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
• Discharge Restrictions: It outlines strict regulations on the disposal of garbage at sea, varying depending on the type of garbage and the ship’s distance from land. Some types of garbage, like plastics, are prohibited from being discharged entirely.   1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) www.imo.org2. MARPOL Annex V – Garbage from ships – revised – UK P&I Club www.ukpandi.com
• Special Areas: The annex designates certain ecologically sensitive regions as “Special Areas,” where even stricter discharge controls apply.   1. Ship’s sewage and garbage (MARPOL Annex IV-V) – deutsche-flagge.de www.deutsche-flagge.de
• Garbage Management Plans: Ships are required to have Garbage Management Plans outlining their procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of garbage in compliance with Annex V.   1. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
• Garbage Record Book: Ships of a certain size must maintain a Garbage Record Book to document their garbage disposal activities.   1. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org

Significance

• Environmental Protection: By regulating the disposal of garbage from ships, Annex V plays a crucial role in protecting marine life, preventing the accumulation of plastic debris, and maintaining the health of our oceans.
• Maritime Safety: Reducing marine debris also contributes to maritime safety by minimizing the risk of entanglement or damage to ships and navigational equipment.
• International Cooperation: Annex V promotes global cooperation in combating marine pollution by establishing uniform standards and procedures for garbage disposal from ships, regardless of their flag state.

Recent Amendments

• Red Sea Special Area: Effective from January 1, 2025, the Red Sea has been designated as a Special Area under Annex V, imposing further restrictions on garbage disposal in this ecologically sensitive region.   1. MEPC 80 – Designation of The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden areas as Special Areas www.mts.gov.eg
• Garbage Record Book Requirement: From May 1, 2024, ships of 100 gross tonnage and above must have a Garbage Record Book, expanding the previous requirement that applied only to ships of 400 gross tonnage or above.   1. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org

In conclusion, MARPOL Annex V is a vital international instrument in the fight against marine pollution. It promotes responsible waste management practices onboard ships and significantly contributes to the preservation of our oceans and marine ecosystems.

MARPOL Annex V designates certain marine regions as “Special Areas” where stricter regulations apply to the disposal of garbage from ships, aiming to provide a higher level of environmental protection due to their ecological sensitivity or specific oceanographic conditions. Currently, the following areas are recognized as Special Areas under MARPOL Annex V:

1. The Mediterranean Sea Area: Encompassing the Mediterranean Sea and its adjacent seas, this area is known for its rich biodiversity and vulnerability to pollution due to its enclosed nature and heavy maritime traffic.
2. The Baltic Sea Area: Covering the Baltic Sea and its gulfs, this area faces challenges due to its shallow waters, limited water exchange, and sensitivity to pollution.
3. The Black Sea Area: Including the Black Sea and its associated waters, this area is also susceptible to pollution due to its semi-enclosed nature and unique hydrological characteristics.
4. The Red Sea Area: This recent addition to the Special Areas list, effective from January 1, 2025, recognizes the ecological importance of the Red Sea’s coral reefs and marine life.
5. The Gulfs Area: Covering the Gulf waters, including the Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea, this area is vital for marine biodiversity and faces pressures from oil and gas activities.
6. The North Sea Area: Though not always listed with the others, the North Sea is also considered a Special Area under Annex V. It experiences high levels of shipping traffic and fishing, making it vulnerable to pollution.
7. The Wider Caribbean Region: This extensive area includes the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and adjacent waters, encompassing numerous islands and diverse marine ecosystems.
8. The Antarctic Area: Extending southward of latitude 60°S, this region is recognized for its unique and fragile ecosystems, requiring stringent protection from pollution.

Key points about garbage disposal in Special Areas:

• Plastics: Disposal of all plastics into the sea is prohibited, including synthetic ropes, fishing nets, plastic bags, and food packaging.
• Food waste: Disposal of food waste is permitted only when the ship is en route and at a distance of more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land. In some special areas, this distance may be extended to 25 nautical miles.
• Other garbage: Disposal of other garbage, such as paper, rags, glass, metal, and crockery, is subject to restrictions depending on the type of garbage and the ship’s distance from land.

The designation of these Special Areas emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable marine environments and highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent pollution from ships. Compliance with the more stringent regulations in these areas is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of our oceans.

MARPOL Annex V imposes strict disposal restrictions on operational waste generated during the normal operation of a ship. These restrictions aim to minimize marine pollution and protect the marine environment. Operational waste includes items such as:  

1. 01/2022—MARPOL Annex V (Garbage) Discharges | Australian Maritime Safety Authority

2. MARPOL Annex V – Garbage from ships – revised – UK P&I Club

• Plastics: All plastics, including synthetic ropes, fishing nets, plastic bags, and packaging materials, are strictly prohibited from being discharged into the sea.   1. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
• Incinerator ashes: Ashes from incineration on board must be retained on board or discharged to a reception facility unless the ship is more than 12 nautical miles from land and the ash does not contain more than 0.1% by weight of unburned carbon and doesn’t float.
• Cooking oil: Discharge of cooking oil or other food oils into the sea is prohibited within 12 nautical miles of land. Beyond this distance, discharge is allowed only when comminuted or mixed with other food wastes and dispersed through an approved comminuting and dispersing system.
• Cleaning agents and additives: Discharge of cleaning agents or additives that are harmful to the marine environment is prohibited.
• Other operational waste: Disposal of other operational waste, such as paper, rags, glass, metal, and crockery, is subject to restrictions depending on the ship’s distance from land and the type of waste.

General restrictions on operational waste disposal:

• Within special areas: The disposal of almost all types of garbage, including operational waste, is prohibited in Special Areas designated under MARPOL Annex V, except for food waste under specific conditions and certain cargo residues.   1. 01/2022—MARPOL Annex V (Garbage) Discharges | Australian Maritime Safety Authority www.amsa.gov.au
• Within 12 nautical miles of land: The disposal of plastics, incinerator ashes (unless meeting specific criteria), and unprocessed cooking oil is prohibited within 12 nautical miles from the nearest land.
• Beyond 12 nautical miles from land: The disposal of certain types of operational waste, such as food waste, cargo residues, and cleaning agents, may be permitted under specific conditions, such as comminution or mixing with other food wastes and discharge through an approved system.   1. 01/2022—MARPOL Annex V (Garbage) Discharges | Australian Maritime Safety Authority www.amsa.gov.au

Key points to remember:

• Port reception facilities: Ships are encouraged to utilize port reception facilities to dispose of their operational waste whenever possible.
• Garbage Management Plan: Ships are required to have a Garbage Management Plan outlining procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of garbage in compliance with Annex V.   1. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships – International Maritime Organization www.imo.org
• Garbage Record Book: Ships of 100 gross tonnage and above must maintain a Garbage Record Book to document their garbage disposal activities.   1. New Garbage Record Book requirements: Are you ready? – Napa.fi www.napa.fi

By adhering to these disposal restrictions and utilizing proper waste management practices, ships can significantly reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the preservation of our oceans.

MARPOL Annex V outlines specific disposal restrictions for ground-up food waste, aiming to minimize its impact on the marine environment:

General Rule:

• Within 3 nautical miles from land: Discharge of ground-up food waste is prohibited.
• Beyond 3 nautical miles from land: Discharge is permitted ONLY if:
  • The food waste has been ground or comminuted to particles no larger than 25 millimeters.
  • The ship is en route, meaning it’s underway and not engaged in any special operations like fishing or dredging.

Special Areas:

• Within 12 nautical miles from land: Discharge of ground-up food waste is prohibited.
• Beyond 12 nautical miles from land: Discharge is permitted with the same conditions as the general rule (comminuted to 25mm or less, and the ship is en route).

Exceptions:

• Food waste mixed with other garbage: If food waste is mixed with other types of garbage, the disposal restrictions for that other garbage will apply.
• Port reception facilities: Ships are encouraged to utilize port reception facilities to dispose of food waste whenever possible.

Rationale behind these restrictions:

• Minimizing marine pollution: The restrictions aim to prevent the accumulation of food waste near coastlines and in sensitive marine areas, which can lead to oxygen depletion, algal blooms, and other environmental problems.
• Protecting marine life: Ground-up food waste can attract marine animals, potentially altering their feeding behavior and disrupting the ecosystem.

Additional Considerations:

• Comminuting and Dispersing Systems: Ships using comminuting and dispersing systems for food waste disposal must ensure these systems are approved and meet the required standards.
• Garbage Management Plan: The ship’s Garbage Management Plan should include procedures for handling and disposing of food waste in compliance with MARPOL Annex V.
• Garbage Record Book: Ships of 100 gross tonnage and above are required to maintain a Garbage Record Book to document their food waste disposal activities.   1. New Garbage Record Book requirements: Are you ready? – Napa.fi www.napa.fi

Overall, these regulations aim to strike a balance between the practical needs of ships to dispose of food waste and the necessity of protecting the marine environment. By adhering to these guidelines and adopting responsible waste management practices, ships can help preserve the health of our oceans and ensure a sustainable future for marine life.