MARPOL 73/78 is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, which is one of the most important international marine environmental conventions.aspx). Its objective is to limit ship-borne pollution by restricting operational pollution and reducing the possibility of accidental pollution. The convention specifies standards for stowing, handling, shipping, and transferring pollutant cargoes, as well as standards for discharge of ship-generated operational wastes. Acceptance of the convention by national government obliges them to make the requirements part of domestic law. MARPOL 73/78 consists of six separate Annexes, each set out regulations covering the various sources of ship-generated pollution. Annex I and II are mandatory for all signatory nations to MARPOL while Annexes III, IV, V and VI are optional.
- Annex I: Deals with the discharge of oil into the ocean environment. It specifies tanker design features that are intended to minimize oil discharge into the ocean during ship operations and in case of accidents. The first half of Annex I deals with engine room waste.
- Annex II: Details the discharge criteria for the elimination of pollution by noxious liquid substances carried in large quantities. It divides substances into categories and introduces detailed operational standards and measures.
- Annex III: Covers the prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried in packaged form.
- Annex IV: Covers the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships.
- Annex V: Covers the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships.
- Annex VI: Covers the prevention of air pollution from ships.
MARPOL 73/78 was adopted on 2nd October 1983 to prevent oil discharge or oily mixtures from ships intentionally or accidentally. It comprises 11 chapters which together contain 47 Regulations. The convention was brought about due to a spate of tanker accidents.
