International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
Abbreviation: MARPOL
The main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the sea by ships from operational and accidental causes.
In practice
For a seafarer on watch, MARPOL has direct operational implications. The overboard discharge of any oil-contaminated bilge water must be recorded in the Oil Record Book, and the oily water separator must be functioning and certified. Garbage management plans must be followed, and no plastic may be discharged into the sea. Violations — even minor ones — can expose the master and company to prosecution under the domestic legislation of any port state.
Regulatory detail & full definition
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, known as MARPOL 73/78, is the primary international instrument regulating ship-source pollution of the marine environment. It combines the 1973 Convention and the 1978 Protocol, and is administered by the International Maritime Organisation. The Convention is structured into six annexes, each governing a different category of pollutant: oil (Annex I), noxious liquid substances in bulk (Annex II), harmful substances in packaged form (Annex III), sewage (Annex IV), garbage (Annex V), and air pollution (Annex VI).
For a seafarer on watch, MARPOL has direct operational implications. The overboard discharge of any oil-contaminated bilge water must be recorded in the Oil Record Book, and the oily water separator must be functioning and certified. Garbage management plans must be followed, and no plastic may be discharged into the sea. Violations — even minor ones — can expose the master and company to prosecution under the domestic legislation of any port state.
Flag states give effect to MARPOL through their national laws, and port state control officers inspect ships for compliance during every port call. Evidence of illegal discharges, falsified record books, or bypassed pollution prevention equipment can result in detention of the vessel, criminal prosecution of the master, and significant financial penalties for the company.