ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

TDMMU 407B
UNIT DESCRIPTOR:

This unit involves the skills and

knowledge
required to ensure
compliance with international and
Australian legislative requirements
and measures to ensure the
protection
of
the
marine
environment during operations of an
ocean-going
vessel,
including
preventive
and
precautionary
procedures, checking of compliance
and remedying non-compliance.

Descriptor- page 1

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ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

LICENSE / LEGISLATIVE
REQUIREMENTS
The unit is consistent with the
relevant sections of State and
Territory marine regulations,
NSCV, USL Code, STCW 95, the
IMO MARPOL Convention and
Marine Orders under the
Australian Navigation Act 1912,
describing requirements for
prevention of pollution of the
environment.
Descriptor- page 2

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Elements describe the essential

outcomes of a unit of competency.
1. Maintain compliance with legislative
requirements for protection of the marine
environment.
a. Relevant regulations and procedures for the
protection of the marine environment
procedures for the protection are identified.
b. Appropriate action is taken in day-to-day work
to ensure compliance with relevant
regulations and procedures for the protection
of the marine environment as required.
c. Appropriate action is taken where incidences
of non-compliance or potential noncompliance are identified in accordance with
regulations and procedures.
d. Any breach of regulations and procedures
concerning protection of the marine
environment is rectified and /or reported as
required within the limits of the officers
Element- page 2
responsibility.

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ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

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ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

2. Implement anti-pollution
procedures.

a. Anti-pollution procedures applicable

to vessel operations are followed in
the course of day-to-day work.
b. Appropriate preventative measures
are implemented to prevent
pollution of the marine environment
in accordance with regulations and
procedures.

Element- page 3

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REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

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PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

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PREVENTION

3. Maintain documentation
related to legislative
requirements for the
protection of the environment.
a. Requirement for reports and
other documentation related to
the protection of the marine
environment and any breaches
of relevant regulations are
identified and interpreted as
required.
b. All required documentation
related to the protection of the
marine environment and any
breaches of environmental
regulations is completed in a
accordance with regulations
and procedures.
Element- page 4

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REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Items and equipment

checked as part of antipollution measures include:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Pumps and valves.

Emission control equipment
Fuel management systems.
Water management
equipment.
5. Waste storage and recycling
equipment.
6. Ballast management
equipment

Element- page 5

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ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Preventative measures to protect the marine environment

may include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Prevention of spillage of cargo.

Prevention of spillage of fuel and oil.
Control of polluting emission of gas and smoke.
Policies and practices to minimise the spread and carriage of
marine pests.
Effective management of waste pollution and recycling
processes.
Effective management of ballast operations.
Shipboard housekeeping.
Measures to prevent runoff during slipping operations.
Pollution control instructions.

Element- page 6

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

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PREVENTION

MARPOL
Is an international convection for the
prevention of pollution from ships.

Sources of pollution
Annex (1): Prevention of pollution by
OIL.
Annex (2): Control of pollution by
noxious liquid substances in bulk.
Annex (3): Prevention of pollution by
harmful substances carried by sea
in packaged form.
Annex (4): Prevention of pollution by
SEWAGE from ships.
Annex (5): Prevention of pollution by
GARBAGE from ship.
Annex (6): Prevention of AIR pollution
from ships.

Sources-page 7

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REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

OIL POLLUTION

Overflow during Bunkering.

Spillage during Bunkering.
Faulty bunkering connection.
Deliberate bilge water discharge.
Dumping of oily rags.
Dumping of partially empty oil
barrels.

CHEMICAL POLLUTION

Dumping of used Chemicals.

Equipment with Chemicals thrown
overboard.
Pain, Thinner and other solvents.
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Sources page 8

REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

Pollution from SEWAGE

Toilet waste directly discharged.

Malfunction of the Sewage
treatment plant.
Pollution from Garbage

Food waste.
Dunnage.
Oily rags.
Engine room scrap.
Plastic waste.
Glass.
Steel.
Mooring ropes.

Sources page 9

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REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

Pollution due to
Gasses

Carbon
Monoxide.
Carbon Dioxide.
Noxious Gasses.
Halogen Gasses.
Sewer Gasses.
Sulpher Dioxide.
Freon Gasses.
Image Wikimedia

Sources page 10

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

METHODS OF PREVENTION
OIL Oily Water Separator,
discharge monitor, keeping
bilge discharge valve locked in
ports.
CHEMICALS Strict control of
the use of chemicals and its
discharge.
GARBAGE Separate collecting
facilities, arranging shore
reception facilities and using
INCINERATOR.
SEWAGE Discharge only
through the Sewage Treatment
Plant.
GAS Proper Engine tuning and
Descriptor
page 1
control.

PREVENTION

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REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

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ELEMENT

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PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Summary of Discharge Standards

for Ships and small er vessels
operating in Australian waters:
MARPOL and local requirements
MARPOL contains the terms from the
Nearest Land which means from the
baseline from which the territorial sea of
the territory in question is established in
accordance with international law, except
off the east coast off the north-eastern
coast of Australia where it is measured
from a line drawn around the outer edge
of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
(GBRMP) and part of the Torres Strait
region. Within this area, generally no
discharges are allowed under MARPOL
does not state distance from the nearest
land, certain discharges may be
undertaken. This area is also a recognised
as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area
designated the International Maritime
Regulations
page 12
Organization.

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ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

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PREVENTION

Different discharge standards apply in

MARPOL Special Areas. The text of the
Convention should be consulted if
details are required. The only Special
Area in Australian waters is the
Antarctic Area being the sea area south
of latitude 60 degree S.
All ships and small vessels on
international voyages into Australian
waters will be subject to Australian
Quarantine requirements and therefore
additional restrictions will apply,
particularly in relation to food waste and
biosecurity issues.

Regulations page 13

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REGULATIONS

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

TABLE 1 OIL MARPOLE Annex 1

Applies to all vessels.
Vessel/Voya
ge type/Area

Sub-Category

Discharge Conditions

Oil tankers
All vessel

Oily waste from

cargo tanks

More than 50Nm from the

nearest land, and
Tanker is proceeding en route;
and
Instantaneous rate of discharge
<30 l/Nm; and
Total quantity discharge does not
exceed 1/15,000 or 1/30,000of
the total cargo (depending on
the age of the vessel); and
Oil discharge monitoring and
control system and slop tank
arrangement to be operating.

Regulations page 14

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

All vessels
>=400 gross
tons
All vessels

Regulations page 15

ELEMENT

Machinery
space bilges

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Oil and oily mixtures retain onboard for on

shore disposal
OR
Proceeding en route; and
Oil content less than 15ppm; and
Oil discharge monitoring and control system
and filtering equipment to operating
Note: 15ppm discharges can be anywhere at sea
(not within port limits) including the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park and Marine Protected
Areas. Vessel must not be stationary when
undertaking discharge.

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

All vessels
<400 gross
tons
All waters

Machinery space
bilges

Oil and all oily mixtures retain onboard for on

shore disposal OR
Proceeding en route; and
Has in operation equipment of a design
approved by the administration that ensures oil
content less than 15 ppm .
NOTE: 15 ppm discharges can be anywhere at sea
(not within port) including the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park and Marine protected Areas.
Vessel must not be stationary when undertaking
discharge.

Vessels
operating in
Great Barrier
Reef Marine
Park

Bunkering utilising
ship to ship
transfers

A permit is required from GBRMPA under which

certain conditions may be imposed.

Regulations page 16

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

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ELEMENT

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PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

TABLE 2 MARPOL Annex II Noxxious Liquid Substances and MARPOL

Annex III Harmful Package Substances

Vessel/Voyage
Type/Areas

SubCategory

Discharge Conditions

Chemical and
Product Tankers

Category X

Tanks to be prewashed before leaving unloading port,

residues to be pumped ashore until the concentration of
the substance in the effluent is 0.1% weight or less, as
indicated by analysis of samples of the effluent taken by
AMSA marine surveyor. When the required concentration
level has been achieved, remaining tank washings to be
discharged to the reception facility until the tank is empty.
Appropriate entries to be made in the Cargo Record Book
and endorsed by the AMSA marine Surveyor. Any water
subsequently added may be discharged if:

Ship is proceeding en route at a speed of at less

7knots; and

Discharge below the waterline; and

Ship is > 12 Nm from nearest land and depth of water

is> 25m.

Regulations page 17

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

REGULATIONS

Highviscosity or
solidifying
category Y

Prewash in accordance with Convention, residues to be

pumped ashore until tank is empty. Any water
subsequently added may b discharged if:
Ship is proceeding en route at a speed of at least 7
knots; and
Discharge below the waterline; and
Ship is > 12 Nm from nearest land and depth of water
is >25m

Category Y
Category Z

MARPOL
Annex III
Harmful
Package
Descriptor
page 1
Substances

PREVENTION

Vessels
carrying
Harmful
Packaged
Substances

Ship is proceeding en route at a speed of at least 7

knots ; and
Concentration of substance in water of ship < 1 ppm;
and
Amount not to exceed 1m3 or 1/3,000 of tank capacity,
whichever is greater; and
Discharge below the waterline; and
Ship is > 12 Nm from nearest land and depth of water
is >25m.
Jettisoning prohibited.

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor
TABLE 3

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

MARPOL Annex IV - SEWAGE

Vessels/Voy
age
type/Area

Sub-Category

Discharge Conditions

Vessels on
international
voyages

Comminuted and
disinfected sewage
using an approved
system

Vessels on
international
voyages

Sewage stored in
holding tank( treated
and untreated
sewage ).

Treated sewage
effluent discharged
through an IMO
approved Sewage
Treatment plant (STP)
. Also integrated
system where the
Descriptor page 1STP includes

Vessel on
International
voyages

REGULATIONS

>3Nm from nearest land

>12 Nm from nearest land; and

Discharged at a moderate rate*; and
Ship proceeding en route at speed of at least 4
knots.
* The rate of discharge must be approved by the
Administration.

Effluent not to produce visible floating solids nor

cause discoloration of the surrounding water.
When within port limits, check with port authority
as permission may be required.
All vessel should ensure that the STP is operating
at optimum performance when in Australian
waters.
Food or biological waste removed from filtration

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

Vessel on domestic
voyages (all sizes)

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Recommended to comply with MARPOL Annex IV

Local laws may prohibit discharges in port.

Great Barrier Reef

Marine Park
Vessels on
International
voyages to and
continuing in
Australian waters

All sewage discharges

In accordance with Annex IV requirements and where

applicable with any additional restrictions imposed as
conditions of a GBRMP permit.

Great Barrier reef

Marine Park
Vessels on
domestic voyages.

All sewage discharges

Recommended to comply with MARPOL Annex IV

Or In accordance with requirements of part 3A of the
GBRMP Regulations (93A-93B) for both treated and
untreated Sewage

If a vessel has 16 or more persons on board, no discharge

of untreated sewage is permitted anywhere in
Queensland waters.
If a vessel has 7 to 15 persons onboard, no discharge of
untreated sewage is permitted within 1 Nm (1852m) of a
reef or the mean low water mark of an island or the
mainland.

Queensland State
Waters (small
vessels/State
registered and
recreational)

If vessel does not

have a sewage
treatment system on
board, options
include:
Using onshore

toilet facilities
wherever
possible.

Using a portable
toilet to be later
emptied to a
sewerage/septic
Regulations page 20
system.

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor
TABLE 4 :

ELEMENT
MARPOL Annex V

SOURCES
-

GARBAGE

Vessel/Voy
age
Type/Areas

Sub-Category

All vessels

Mixed garbage with different discharge

requirements.
( eg: Food waste mixed with plastic
prohibited).

All vessels

All vessels

All vessels

PREVENTION

Plastics
This includes synthetic ropes, synthetic
fishing nets, plastic garbage bags and
incinerator ashes from plastic products,
cigarette filters.

Fiberglass/laminated structures piping,

insulation, carpets, paints and finishes,
electrical components, sheeting, floats
fishing nets strapping band rope and
line.
Regulations page 21

REGULATIONS

- Apply to all vessels

Discharge Conditions

The most stringent requirement

applies.

Prohibited.

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor
All vessels
within the
nearest Land
(MARPOL
definition)

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

All garbage types ( including food waste) within the

GBRMP and part of the Torres Strait (see MARPOL
definition of from the nearest land ) ( Note:
exception for small amounts of food waste associated
with tourist and fishing activities. See Annex V
Guidelines)

All Vessels when

alongside or
within 500metre
of a fixed or
floating platform
that is located
more than 12
Nm from
Nearest Land.

All garbage type

( except food waste passed through a communiter or
grinder).

All vessels
All waters

Dunnage, lining and packing materials which will float (

eg: pallets, cardboard, plywood).

All vessels
All waters

Food waste and all other garbage. This includes

domestic waste, cargo residues, maintenance and
operational waste and incinerator ashes (except from
plastic products, soot machinery deposits, scraped
paint, deck sweeping, etc. This category includes cargo
hold washing water.

All vessels
All waters

Garbage that has been ground or comminuted to

particles <25 mm

Regulations
All vessels page 22
Grey water (from showers, laundry, dishwasher) and

REGULATIONS

Prohibited.

Prohibited.

>25 Nm from nearest land.

>12 Nm from nearest land

>3 Nm from nearest land.

Discharge allowed at sea .

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

Vessels at anchorages
or stationary while
waiting for a berth.
All waters

Food waste and other

garbage.

Bulk Cargo vessels

operating within the 12
Nm from nearest land
limitation (including the
GBRMP)

Wash down of cargo

residues on deck areas.
Entry should be
recorded in the
Garbage Record Book
(item 4.1 (d) for
verification of a
discharge under these
specific circumstances.

Bulk cargo vessels

operating within the 12
Nm from the nearest
land limitation
(including the GBRMP ).

Cargo bilge water.

Entry should be
recorded in the
Garbage Record Book
(item 4.1(d) for
verification of a
discharge under these
specific circumstances.

Regulations page 23

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Comply with all Annex V requirements.

If the vessel is anchored or stationary more than 12
Nm from the nearest land, it is recommended that
only food waste is discharged and all other garbage is
retained offloading when alongside.
Only for Safety purposes wash down discharge
allowed for:
Safe operation of a helicopter within the landing area
and its immediate vicinity to avoid dust being raised
by the down-draft of the rotors;
When there is a need to avoid navigational hazards
such as dust being blown onto the wheelhouse or
bridge wings; and
Where residues may cause a serious safety hazard to
personnel if spillages are not cleaned from deck
areas, adjacent walkways and working areas.
Only for safety purposes where the cargo hold
bilge water generated through a loaded hold is
required to be discharged through the vessels fixed
piping bilge drainage system provided the cargo
material is not classified as a marine pollutant in the
IMDG Code.
Vessels at anchorage for a period of time with empty
holds may discharge hold bilge water as long as the
water is not directly related to a hold washing
/cleaning operation.

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

All vessels operating in

Australian Antarctic
Territory (see area south
latitude 60 degree S

All Plastics
All other garbage (except
food waste)
Food waste

Prohibited
Prohibited
>12 Nm from nearest land.

All vessels on
International voyages
to and continuing in
Australian waters
(Australian Quarantine
requirements)

All food waste including

ground and commuted,
grinder or extracted from
a filtration system.

>12 Nm from land (baselines).

Offload to port facilities for
Australian Quarantine approved
contractor for autoclave/steam
sterilization processing.

All vessels on
International voyages
to and continuing in
Australian waters
(Australian Quarantine
requirements).
All vessels on
International voyages
to and continuing in
Australian page
waters
Regulations
24

Recycled waste (eg;

aluminum, tons, glass).

Ashes from type approved

incinerator ( IMO
Resolution MEPC.76(40)
Ashes from an incinerator

Offload to port facilities if vessel

has processed recycled waste
onboard through a steam sterilizer.
OR
Offload to port facilities for
Australian Quarantine approved
contractor for autoclave / steam
sterilization processing.
Accepted by port reception
facilities.
Offload to Australian Quarantine
approved contractor but only

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

TABLE 5
Vessel/Voyag
e
Type/Area
All vessels

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

MARPOL Annex VI - AIR EMISSIONS

vessels.
SubDischarge conditions

REGULATIONS

- Apply to all

Category

Ozonedepleting
substances.

Prohibited.

Nitrogen
Oxides

Operation of diesel engines>130 kW prohibited unless engine is certified to

meet prescribed emission standards.
NEW ENGINES:
Tier I 17 g/kW from 1 January 2000
Tier II 14.4 g/kW from 1 January 2011
Tier III 3.4 g/kW from January 2016 ( in Emission Control Areas ( ECA)
Existing Engines ( installed on ship on or between 1 January 1990 to 1 January
2000).
17 g/kW for diesel engine with power output >500 kW and displacement per
cylinder =>90 liters
Approved method by Administration.

Sulphur
Oxides

Sulphur content of fuel oil not to exceed 4.5% **

From 1 January 2012, sulphur content of fuel oil not to exceed 3.5% **
From 1 January 2020 sulphur content if fuel oil not to exceed 0.5% **
** Fuel oil to be purchased from a registered suplier.
Note: a feasibility review to be completed 2018.

Regulations pageIncinerators
25

Incinerators installed after 1January 2000 must be type approved and

certified to meet prescribed emission standards.

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Simplified overview of the discharge provisions of the revised MARPOL

Annex V (resolution MEPC.201 (62) which will enter into force on 1
January 2013
(for more detailed guidance regarding the respective discharge requirements, please refer
to the text of MARPOL Annex V or to the 2012 Guidelines for the Implementation of
MARPOL Annex V )

Type of
garbage

Ships outside
special areas

Ships within
special areas

Offshore platforms
(more than 12Nm
from land) and all
ships within 500 m
of such platforms.

Food waste
comminuted
or ground

Discharge permitted.
3Nm from the nearest
land, en route and as far
as practicable.

Discharge
permitted.
12nm from the
nearest land, en
route and as far as
practicable.

Discharge permitted.

Discharge
prohibited.

Discharge prohibited.

Food waste
Discharge permitted.
not
12 Nm from the
comminuted
nearest land, en route
Regulations
page
26
or ground
and as far as practicable.

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

Cargo residues* not

contained in wash
water.

SOURCES

Discharge
permitted.

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Discharge
prohibited.

Discharge
prohibited

Cargo residues*
contained in wash
water.

12Nm from the

nearest land, en
route and as far
as practicable

Discharge permitted.
12Nm from the
nearest land, en route,
as far as practicable
and subject to two
additional conditions+.

Discharge
prohibited.

Cleaning agents and

additives* contained
in cargo hold wash
water.

Discharge
permitted.

Discharge permitted.
12Nm from the
nearest land, en route,
as far as practicable
and subject to two
additional conditions.**

Discharge
prohibited.

Cleaning agents and

additives* in deck
and external surfaces
wash water.

Discharge
permitted.

Discharge permitted.

Discharge
prohibited.

Discharge
permitted.

Discharge
prohibited.

Discharge
prohibited.

Carcasses of animals
Regulations
page
27 as
carried on
board

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor
All other garbage
including plastics,
synthetic ropes,
fishing gear,
plastic garbage
bags, incinerator
ashes, clinkers,
cooking oil,
floating dunnage,
lining and packing
materials, paper,
rags, glass, metal,
Mixed
garbage.
bottles,
crockery
and similar refuse.

*
**

ELEMENT
Discharge
prohibited.

SOURCES
Discharge
prohibited

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS

Discharge
prohibited

When garbage is mixed with or contaminated by other substances

prohibited from discharge or having different discharge
requirements, the more stringent requirements shall apply.

These substances must not be harmful to the marine environment.

According to regulation6.12 of MARPOL Annex V the discharge shall only be allowed if:

(a) both the port of departure and the next port of destination are with the special area
and the ship will not
transit outside the special area between these ports (regulation 6.1.2.2); and
Regulations page 28
(b) if no adequate reception facilities are available at these ports ( regulation 6.1 2.3).

ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH POLLUTION PREVENTION

Descriptor

ELEMENT

SOURCES

END

Regulations page 29

PREVENTION

REGULATIONS