MARPOL discharge checker

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) regulates discharges from vessels across six Annexes. This tool covers the four most operationally relevant Annexes for deck and engine officers:

Annex I — Oil: oily bilge water, oily mixtures from cargo areas of tankers.
Annex II — Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS): Categories X, Y, Z.
Annex IV — Sewage: treated and untreated.
Annex V — Garbage: all categories A–I including plastics, food waste, cargo residues.

Annex VI governs air emissions (sulphur, NOx). For ECA fuel sulphur requirements use the ECA checker.

Study aid only.Always consult the ship's SOPEP, SMPEP, Garbage Management Plan, and flag-state circulars. Conditions in Special Areas and flag-state stricter requirements may apply.

Cargo / waste typeMARPOL zoneDistance from nearest land (NM)Vessel speed (knots)

PERMITTED with restrictions

Permitted in open sea ≥ 12 nm from nearest land, vessel underway ≥ 7 kt, rate ≤ 60 L/NM, OWS fitted, ORB entry required, oil content ≤ 15 ppm.

MARPOL Annex I, Reg 15(1)–(4)

Decision tree covers MARPOL Annex I (oil), Annex II (NLS), Annex IV (sewage), Annex V (garbage). Annex VI (air) governs fuel sulphur and NOx in ECAs — see ECA Checker tool. Always consult the ship's SOPEP, SMS, and flag-state circular for vessel-specific requirements.

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MARPOL discharge checker

See also

MARPOL discharge checker

See also