1.1 Global Context of Shipping.
 Compliance with regulations, such as the International Convention for the
• The global context of shipping in the marine environment is a complex and
dynamic system that involves various aspects, including economic,
environmental, regulatory, technological, and geopolitical factors.
Key Points to Consider:
1. Economic Significance:
 Shipping plays a crucial role in global trade, transporting goods and
commodities across the oceans.
 The maritime industry is a significant contributor to the global economy,
providing employment, generating revenue, and facilitating international
commerce.
2. Environmental Challenges:
 The marine environment faces environmental challenges due to shipping
activities, including oil spills, ballast water discharge, and air emissions from
vessels.
 Efforts are being made globally to address environmental concerns through
regulations such as the International Maritime Organization's (IMO)
MARPOL Convention and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Technological Advancements:
 The shipping industry is undergoing technological advancements to improve
efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance safety.
4. Regulatory Framework:
 The IMO sets international standards and regulations for shipping to ensure
safety, security, and environmental protection.
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility
Security (ISPS) Code, is essential for maritime operations.
 Ensuring the safety and security of maritime operations is a priority, with
efforts to prevent accidents, piracy, and terrorism in the marine
environment.
1.2 Importance of Marine Ecology
• Marine ecology, the scientific study of marine ecosystems and the
interactions between organisms and their environment in the ocean, is of
immense importance for various reasons:
1. Economic Value:
 Many economies depend on marine resources for sustenance and income.
Fisheries and aquaculture are vital industries, and the sustainable
management of these resources relies on a deep understanding of marine
ecology.
2. Climate Regulation:
 Oceans play a crucial role in climate regulation by absorbing and storing
large amounts of carbon dioxide. Understanding marine ecology helps
scientists and policymakers assess the impact of human activities on oceanic
carbon cycles and climate change.
3. Medicinal Resources:
 Marine organisms have been a source of medicinal compounds and
pharmaceuticals. The study of marine ecology can lead to the discovery of
new bioactive compounds with potential medical applications.
4. Recreation and Tourism:
  Many people engage in recreational activities and tourism related to the
marine environment. Healthy marine ecosystems contribute to the
aesthetic appeal and recreational value of coastal areas, supporting tourism
and local economies.
In summary, marine ecology is crucial for maintaining the health of the oceans,
sustaining biodiversity, supporting human livelihoods, and addressing global
environmental challenges. It provides the knowledge necessary for informed
decision-making and the development of strategies for the sustainable use and
conservation of marine resources.
1.3 Role of the human element in pollution prevention.
• The human element plays a crucial role in pollution prevention, as human
activities are often the primary sources of pollution
1. Behavioral Practices:
 Waste Disposal: Proper disposal of waste by individuals is essential. This
includes recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and using designated waste
disposal methods.
 Energy Consumption: Individuals can contribute to pollution prevention by
being mindful of their energy consumption. Conserving energy, using
energy-efficient appliances, and adopting renewable energy sources help
reduce air and water pollution.
2. Industrial Practices:
• Regulatory Compliance: Human decisions within industries, especially
regarding compliance with environmental regulations, significantly impact
pollution levels. Adherence to emission standards, waste management
practices, and sustainable production methods is crucial.
• Technological Choices: The selection of technology and production
processes can either contribute to or mitigate pollution. Opting for cleaner
technologies and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes is vital.
3. Consumer Choices:
• Product Selection: Consumers influence pollution prevention through their
choices. Supporting eco-friendly products and companies can create
demand for sustainable practices and reduce the overall environmental
impact of production.
• Waste Reduction: Choosing products with minimal packaging and those
designed for recyclability can help reduce the generation of solid waste.
4. Education and Awareness:
 Knowledge Sharing: Educating the public about the consequences of
pollution and providing information on sustainable practices can lead to
informed decision-making and responsible behavior.
 Community Involvement: Engaging communities in pollution prevention
initiatives and cleanup efforts can foster a sense of responsibility and
collective action.
5. Government Policies and Regulations:
• Advocacy: The human element is crucial in advocating for strong
environmental policies and regulations. Citizens can participate in
democratic processes, lobbying for stricter pollution control measures and
supporting policymakers committed to environmental protection.
• It is vital for individuals to actively promote robust environmental policies
and regulations. Citizens can engage in democratic processes, pushing for
more stringent measures to control pollution and endorsing policymakers
dedicated to safeguarding the environment.
1.4 Current environmental challenges for the shipping industry.
 UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2023 calls for a “just and equitable
transition” to a decarbonized shipping industry.
 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is the
main authority of the General Assembly in the sphere of trade and
development. Its purpose is promotion of trade and development,
particularly in developing countries.
 The sector, whose greenhouse gas emissions have risen 20% over the last
decade, operates an ageing fleet that runs almost exclusively on fossil fuels.
 Full decarbonization by 2050 will require massive investments and could
lead to higher maritime logistics costs, raising concerns for vulnerable
shipping-reliant nations like small island developing states.
 In its analysis of global maritime trends, the report highlights shipping’s
resilience despite major challenges stemming from global crises, such as the
war in Ukraine. Maritime trade is expected to grow 2.4% in 2023 and more
than 2% between 2024 and 2028.
1. Air Emissions and Climate Change:
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The shipping sector is a major source of
greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, mostly from the burning of
fossil fuels. One of the biggest challenges is lowering emissions of carbon
dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants.
2. Sulfur Oxide (SOx) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Emissions:
 Laws Concerning Sulfur: In an effort to lower emissions of sulfur oxide, the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) has put in place laws limiting the
amount of sulfur present in marine fuels. Finding substitute, cleaner fuels
and maintaining compliance have become difficult as a result.
3. Ballast Water Management: Ballast water discharge from ships can introduce
invasive species to new ecosystems, disrupting local biodiversity and causing
environmental harm. Compliance with ballast water management regulations is a
key concern.
4. Waste Management:
 Plastic Pollution: Improper disposal of plastic waste and other pollutants
from ships contribute to ocean pollution. Proper waste management and
recycling practices are essential for minimizing the environmental impact.
5. Energy Efficiency and Alternative Fuels:
 Enhancing a vessel's energy efficiency is an ongoing task. The petroleum
industry is investigating hydrogen, biofuels, and liquefied natural gas (LNG)
as alternative fuels to lessen reliance on conventional fuels that have higher
carbon emissions.
6. Regulatory Compliance:
 Emission Control Areas (ECAs): Compliance with regional and international
emission control areas, where stricter regulations are in place, poses
challenges for the industry in terms of operational adjustments and
investments in cleaner technologies.
7. Navigation and Safety Concerns:
 Melting Ice and New Shipping Routes: The melting of polar ice has opened
up new shipping routes, raising concerns about increased maritime traffic in
environmentally sensitive areas. Ensuring safe navigation and minimizing
the impact on fragile ecosystems are ongoing challenges.
 The shipping industry is actively working to address these challenges
through technological innovations, regulatory compliance, and sustainability
initiatives
  Imagine an industry hauling goods over $14 trillion, controlling 80% of
global trade, and being the cheapest mode of transportation for goods
worldwide- that’s the Shipping Industry for you. As a vital pillar of the global
economy and the driving force behind globalization, the shipping industry
enables the movement of goods and commodities across continents,
facilitating international trade. It has the lowest carbon footprint among all
other modes of transportation, making it the greenest method among Air,
Sea and Land freight.
MARPOL 73/78 convention
What is MARPOL Convention?
 The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of
pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental
causes.
 MARPOL Convention was adopted on 02 November 1973 at the IMO. The
Protocol of 1978 was adopted in response to a spate of tanker accidents in
1976-1977. As the 1973 MARPOL Convention had not yet entered into force,
the 1978 MARPOL Protocol absorbed the parent Convention. The combined
instrument entered into force on 02 October 1983.
What is the objective of MARPOL 73/78?
 The objective of the Convention is to reduce the volumes of harmful
materials entering the world’s ocean and marine environment.
 To achieve this goal, the Convention and its Annexes contain requirements
to control the accidental or deliberate discharge of substances such as oil,
chemical and garbage. It also sets incineration requirements.
What is the extent of applicability of this Convention on ships?
The present Convention shall apply to:
 Ships entitled to fly the flag of a Party to the Convention; and
 Ships not entitled to fly the flag of a Party but which operate under the
authority of a Party.
What are the ships not covered by the said Convention?
The present Convention shall not apply to the following:
 Any warships;
 Naval auxiliaries; and
 Other ships owned or operated by a State and used, for the time being, only
on government non-commercial service.
In which countries are the MARPOL regulations most often enforced?
 The MARPOL regulations are enforced in all maritime nations’ signatory to
the MARPOL Convention.
How are MARPOL Regulations enforced?
 Each participating country adopts the MARPOL Regulations as part of their
national laws. Each country has a law enforcement agency that can arrest
and detain MARPOL Regulation violators, if appropriate.
What might happen if a ship violates MARPOL Regulations?
 The ship may be detained, the owners/operators fined and placed on
probation and the involved crew member/s may be imprisoned and/or
fined. Many companies have been fined millions in US dollars for MARPOL
violations worldwide.
When did the Philippines become a Party to MARPOL 73/78?
 The MARPOL 73/78 (Annexes I to V) was ratified in the Philippines on 2001
while the Instruments of Accession of the MARPOL Annex VI has already
 been deposited to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary
General on 24 April 2018.
MARPOL ANNEX 1- OIL
MARPOL Annex I - Regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil.
 Purpose of Annex I - The objective of the convention is to preserve the
marine environment through the complete elimination of pollution by
oil and other harmful substances and the minimization of accidental
discharge of such substances.
 The Marpol Annex I began to be enforced on October 2, 1983, and it details
the prevention of pollution by oil and oily water.
Article 2
Definitions
1. Regulation - means the regulations contained in the Annexes to the
present Convention.
2. Harmful substance - means any substance which, if introduced into the sea,
is liable to create hazards to human health, to harm living resources and
marine life, to damage amenities or to interfere with other legitimate uses
of the sea, and includes any substance subject to control by the present
Convention.
3. (a) Discharge, in relation to harmful substances or effluents containing such
substances, means any release howsoever caused from a ship and includes
any escape, disposal, spilling, leaking, pumping, emitting or emptying;
(b) Discharge does not include:
(i) dumping within the meaning of the Convention on the Prevention of Marine
Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, done at London on 13 November
1972; or
(ii) release of harmful substances directly arising from the exploration, exploitation
and associated offshore processing of sea-bed mineral resources; or
(iii) release of harmful substances for purposes of legitimate scientific research into
pollution abatement or control.
4. Ship - means a vessel of any type whatsoever operating in the marine
environment and includes hydrofoil boats, air-cushion vehicles,
submersibles, floating craft and fixed or floating platforms.
5. Administration - means the Government of the State under whose authority
the ship is operating. With respect to a ship entitled to fly a flag of any State,
the Administration is the Government of that State. With respect to fixed or
floating platforms engaged in exploration and exploitation of the sea-bed
and subsoil thereof adjacent to the coast over which the coastal State
exercises sovereign rights for the purposes of exploration and exploitation
of their natural resources, the Administration is the Government of the
coastal State concerned.
6. Incident - means an event involving the actual or probable discharge into
the sea of a harmful substance, or effluents containing such a substance.
7. Organization - means the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative
Organization.
Special Areas
 Special area - means a sea area where for recognized technical reasons in
relation to its oceanographical and ecological condition and to the particular
character of its traffic the adoption of special mandatory methods for the
prevention of sea pollution by oil is required.
  For the purposes of this Annex, the special areas are defined as follows:
1 the Mediterranean Sea area;
2 the Baltic Sea area;
3 the Black Sea area;
4 the Red Sea area;
5 the Gulfs area;
6 the Gulf of Aden area;
7 the Antarctic area;
8. the North West European waters include the North Sea and its
approaches, the Irish Sea and its approaches, the Celtic Sea, the English
Channel and its approaches an part of the North East Atlantic immediately
to the west of Ireland;
9. The Oman area of the Arabian Sea.
10. Southern South African waters
Methods for Prevention of oil pollution:
 Preventing oil pollution at sea is crucial for protecting marine ecosystems
and coastal communities.
Here are several methods for preventing oil pollution at sea:
1. Double-Hull Tankers: Double-hull tankers have an additional layer of hull
protection, reducing the risk of oil spills in case of collision or grounding.
2. Improved Navigation Systems: Utilizing advanced navigation systems and
technologies such as GPS, radar, and sonar can help ships navigate safely,
reducing the likelihood of accidents that could lead to oil spills.
3. Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS): Implementing VTMS can help
monitor vessel movements in high-traffic areas, providing early warnings
and guidance to prevent collisions and groundings.
4. Strict Regulations and Enforcement: Enforcing stringent regulations on ship
operations, including regular inspections, maintenance, and crew training,
can help prevent oil spills due to human error or negligence.
5. Oil Spill Response Plans: Developing comprehensive oil spill response plans
for ships and offshore facilities ensures a prompt and effective response in
the event of an oil spill, minimizing its impact on the environment.
6. Bilge Water Treatment: Installing and maintaining effective bilge water
treatment systems onboard ships can prevent accidental discharge of oil-
contaminated water into the sea.
7. Ballast Water Management: Implementing proper ballast water
management practices can prevent the transfer of oil-contaminated ballast
water between different regions, reducing the risk of spreading pollution.
8. Oil Pollution Monitoring and Surveillance: Utilizing satellite imagery, aerial
surveillance, and remote sensing technologies can help monitor oil pollution
in the marine environment, allowing for timely intervention and mitigation
measures.
9. Green Shipping Technologies: Investing in eco-friendly shipping
technologies such as alternative fuels, energy-efficient engines, and
emission control systems can reduce the risk of oil pollution and minimize
the environmental impact of maritime transport.
10. International Cooperation: Collaborating with other countries, regional
organizations, and international agencies to establish common standards,
share best practices, and coordinate response efforts can enhance global
efforts to prevent oil pollution at sea.
By implementing these methods and adopting a proactive approach to maritime
safety and environmental protection, the risk of oil pollution at sea can be
significantly reduced, safeguarding marine ecosystems and coastal communities for
future generations.
Discharge provision for oil and oily waste!
Regulation 15 - Control of discharge of oil
1. Subject to the provisions of regulation 4 of this annex and paragraphs 2, 3,
and 6 of this regulation, any discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixtures
from ships shall be prohibited.
A Discharges outside special areas:
2. Any discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixtures from ships of 400 gross tonnage
and above shall be prohibited except when all the following conditions are satisfied:
1. the ship is proceeding en route;
2. the oily mixture is processed through an oil filtering equipment meeting
the requirements of regulation 14 of this Annex;
3. the oil content of the effluent without dilution does not exceed 15 parts
per million;
4. the oily mixture does not originate from cargo pump-room bilges on oil
tankers; and
5. the oily mixture, in case of oil tankers, is not mixed with oil cargo
residues.
B Discharges in special areas:
3. Any discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixtures from ships of 400 gross tonnage
and above shall be prohibited except when all of the following conditions are
satisfied:
1. the ship is proceeding en route;
2. the oily mixture is processed through an oil filtering equipment meeting
the requirements of regulation 14.7 of this Annex
3. the oil content of the effluent without dilution does not exceed 15 parts
per million;
4. the oily mixture, in case of oil tankers, is not mixed with oil cargo
residues.
5. the oily mixture, in case of oil tankers, is not mixed with oil cargo
residues.
SOPEP/OPA 90
SOPEP – Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan.
– is a written guide on the initial response to an oil spill on a vessel.
 Regulation 37 of MARPOL Annex I requires that oil tankers of 150 gross
tonnage and above and all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above carry an
approved Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP).
 The purpose of the SOPEP is to provide guidance to the Master and officers
on board the ship with respect to the steps to be taken when an oil
pollution incident has occured or is likely to occur.
What are the SOPEP materials?
List of SOPEP Equipment :
1. OS dispersant.
2. Sawdust.
3. Rags.
 4. Absorbent pads.
5. Oil kit bags.
What are the actions of SOPEP?
 The action plan contains the duty of each crew member at the time of the
spill, including emergency muster and actions. SOPEP contains the general
information about the ship and the owner of the ship etc. Steps and
procedure to contain the discharge of oil into the sea using SOPEP
equipment.
• SOPEP contains the following things:
 On board Reporting procedure and requirement in case of oil spill is
described. Authorities to contact and reporting requirements in case of oil
spill are listed in SOPEP. Authorities like port state control, oil clean up team
etc are to be notified.
What is OPA 90?
 OPA 90 stands for the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. It is a United States federal
law enacted in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which occurred in 1989
off the coast of Alaska and was one of the largest oil spills in U.S. history up
to that point. OPA 90 was designed to strengthen the nation's ability to
prevent and respond to oil spills, particularly those from vessels and
offshore facilities.
 The Exxon Valdez disaster led to the examination of oil spill prevention rules
and regulations in the US. The 1990 Oil Pollution Act mandated that oil
companies take greater precautions by operating double hull tankers and
pay greater penalties in case of future oil spills. Apart from this, the Exxon
Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council was formed for the restoration of the marine
habitats affected by accidents.
Key provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 include:
1. Prevention Measures: OPA 90 mandates various prevention measures,
including the phase-out of single-hull tankers in favor of double-hull tankers,
improved vessel design and construction standards, and requirements for
vessel navigation and safety equipment.
2. Response Plans: The law requires vessel and facility owners and operators
to prepare and maintain oil spill response plans, detailing procedures for
responding to oil spills, including containment, cleanup, and compensation
for damages.
3. Liability and Compensation: OPA 90 establishes a strict liability regime for
oil spills, holding responsible parties liable for all cleanup costs and damages
resulting from spills. It also created the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to
provide a source of funding for spill response and compensation when
responsible parties are unable to cover the costs.
4. Research and Development: OPA 90 authorizes funding for research and
development related to oil spill prevention, response, and cleanup
technologies.
5. Natural Resource Damage Assessment: The law establishes procedures for
assessing and restoring natural resources damaged by oil spills, including
the designation of trustees responsible for conducting assessments and
overseeing restoration efforts.
6. Overall, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 represents a significant step forward in
U.S. environmental policy by enhancing the nation's ability to prevent and
respond to oil spills, protecting marine ecosystems, coastal communities,
and the economy from the devastating impacts of oil pollution.
Impact of Oil on the Marine Environment
 The impact of oil on the marine environment can be profound and far- marine organisms and populations, making them more susceptible to other
reaching, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, human health, and economies. stressors such as climate change, habitat loss, and disease.

Some of the key impacts include: 6. Economic Impacts: Oil spills can have significant economic consequences for
coastal communities, fisheries, tourism, and other industries dependent on
1. Physical Coating: Oil spills can coat marine habitats such as beaches, rocky
healthy marine ecosystems. Cleanup and restoration efforts can be costly
shores, mangroves, and coral reefs with a thick layer of oil. This coating can
and time-consuming, while lost revenue from reduced fishing, tourism, and
smother and suffocate organisms living in these habitats, disrupt their
property values can have lasting effects on local economies.
feeding and reproduction, and destroy critical nesting and breeding grounds
for various species. Overall, the impact of oil on the marine environment underscores the
importance of prevention, preparedness, and rapid response to oil spills, as well
2. Toxicity: Crude oil and refined petroleum products contain toxic chemicals
as the need for sustainable practices to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and
such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, which
transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.
can poison and kill marine organisms. Even low concentrations of oil can
have lethal or sublethal effects on fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds,
and other species.

3. Bioaccumulation: Oil contamination can enter the food chain through a

process called bioaccumulation, where toxic compounds accumulate in the
tissues of organisms at higher levels of the food chain. This can lead to
biomagnification, where concentrations of contaminants increase as they
move up through the food web, posing risks to predators at the top of the
food chain, including humans.

4. Disruption of Ecosystem Services: Oil pollution can disrupt critical

ecosystem services provided by marine ecosystems, such as nutrient cycling,
water filtration, and coastal protection. Damage to habitats like mangroves,
salt marshes, and coral reefs can weaken natural defenses against coastal
erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis, increasing the vulnerability of coastal
communities to natural disasters.

5. Long-Term Environmental Damage: Some oil components can persist in the

environment for years or even decades, causing long-term damage to
marine ecosystems and impairing their ability to recover from oil spills.
Chronic exposure to low levels of oil pollution can weaken the resilience of
NOTES IN MARINE
ENVIRONMENT

ROI OLIVER LATINAZO MAGBOO BSMT – 3B7

ROI OLIVER LATINAZO MAGBOO BSMT – 3B7
ROI OLIVER LATINAZO MAGBOO BSMT – 3B7
ROI OLIVER LATINAZO MAGBOO BSMT – 3B7

ART
APP
MAR
POW
MAR
ER
ENV