MARPOL — the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships — is the primary international treaty covering prevention of pollution from normal ship operations, not just accidental spills.
The Six Annexes
- Annex I — Oil (discharge limits, Oil Record Book requirements)
- Annex II — Noxious liquid substances carried in bulk (chemical tankers)
- Annex III — Harmful substances carried in packaged form
- Annex IV — Sewage
- Annex V — Garbage (what can and cannot be discharged, and where)
- Annex VI — Air pollution, including the global sulphur cap on fuel
Why MARPOL Matters Operationally
MARPOL compliance isn’t background regulation — it directly shapes daily operations: what can legally be discharged and where, mandatory record-keeping (Oil Record Book, Garbage Record Book), and equipment requirements like oily water separators. Violations carry serious penalties, including for the individual officer responsible for false record entries, not just the company.
Port State Control and MARPOL
MARPOL compliance is one of the most heavily inspected areas during Port State Control inspections, and MARPOL violations are among the most common grounds for vessel detention.
Exam Relevance
MARPOL’s Annexes, discharge criteria, and record-keeping requirements are core topics across deck and engine officer competency exams and a recurring subject in company SMS training.