INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships

(MARPOL 73/78)
• At international level , a key environmental convention which
impacts on the port and port terminal is MARPOL(73/78).

• It has been established to prevent pollution caused by oil, noxious

liquid substances in bulk, harmful substances carried in packaged
forms, sewage, garbage and exhaust emissions from ships.

• Ports will help ensure that garbage reception facilities are

provided to meet the needs of ships.

• Port state control inspectors have the authority to test that ships
crews are able to carry out procedures relating to marine pollution
prevention, inspect on board records relating to pollutants and
examine on board equipment used to reduce waste and pollution.
London Dumping Convention.
• The convention on the prevention of marine pollution by dumping
of wastes and other matter, known as the London dumping
convention, came into force in 1975.

• Its aim is to protect the marine environment from human activity,

to ensure that there is control of all sources of marine pollution
and to prevent pollution of the sea by the dumping of waste.

• The disposal of dredged material or spoil will need proper

consideration by port management.

• The convention has been adopted by the dredging industry and

enables the correct assessment to be made regarding the suitability
for dumping dredged material at sea.
Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM)
• Ballast water is required to maintain the stability and structural
integrity of a ship.

• It has been estimated that 10,000 marine species are transported

in ballast water around the globe.

• The BWM convention came into force in 2016 to prevent ,

minimise and eliminate the transfer of harmful species .

• While the convention is focused on ships ,it will require ports,

where ship repairs are undertaken, to provide infrastructure to
dispose of ballast tank residues.
 Safety of Life At Sea Convention (SOLAS)
• Under SOLAS, the international management code for the safe
operation of ships and for pollution prevention (ISM code) .

• It has been established to ensure safety at sea, prevention of

human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of damage to the
environment, in particular to the marine environment and to
property.

• The code recognises that ships should liaise with port authorities
to prevent pollution through the use of ship-shore checklists,
harbour watches and patrols and if an incident occurs such as
accidental spillage, agreed procedures are used to minimise the
impact.