MARPOL Annex I - Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil from
Ships
MARPOL 73/78 Annex I
Regulations for the prevention of Pollution by Oil from ships
Entered into force on 2 October 1983
Revised Annex I entered into force 1 January 2007
**Overview:**
Waste oil generated in a ship originates from several systems, such as the sludge, slop, bilge,
and ballast water system. The input of oil to the sea from ship operations is due to illegal
and legal discharges. Generally, ship-generated oily waste can either be delivered to shore,
incinerated onboard, or legally/illegally discharged to sea.
Oil tankers transport some 1,800 million tonnes of crude oil around the world by sea,
including 50 percent of U.S. oil imports. Most oil is transported quietly and safely, aided by
measures introduced by IMO to ensure tankers are safely built and operated.
**Behavior of Oil at Sea:**
The effects of oil on marine life result from physical contamination, smothering, and toxic
chemical components. Marine life can also suffer indirect damage from clean-up operations.
Persistent residues of spilled oils and emulsions pose significant risks to marine animals,
plants, and habitats.
**Key Regulations:**
1. **Control of Operational Discharge of Oil (Machinery Spaces):**
- **Outside Special Areas:**
- Ships >400 gross tonnage must process oily mixtures through filtering equipment
ensuring oil content <15 ppm.
- Must proceed en route and meet other technical criteria.
- **In Special Areas:**
- Discharge of oily mixtures is prohibited unless conditions similar to above are met.
- Antarctic Area: Complete prohibition of oil discharge.
2. **Oil Filtering Equipment:**
- Required for ships >400 gross tonnage.
- Equipment must automatically stop discharge when oil content exceeds 15 ppm.
3. **Oil Record Book (Part I):**
- To record machinery space operations such as tank cleaning, bilge discharge, and fuel
transfer.
- Must be preserved for 3 years for inspection.
4. **Control of Operational Discharge of Oil (Cargo Areas):**
- **Outside Special Areas:**
- Discharge must meet specific conditions, including distance from land and oil discharge
limits.
- **In Special Areas:**
- Discharge from cargo areas is prohibited.
5. **Special Areas:**
- Include the Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Red Sea, and others. Special
discharge restrictions apply in these areas.
6. **Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP):**
- Ships >150 gross tonnage must have a plan for reporting and managing oil pollution
incidents.
7. **Reception Facilities:**
- Ports and terminals must provide facilities for receiving oily residues and bilge water.
For complete compliance, ship operators must ensure adherence to detailed technical
standards outlined in Annex I, including the use of certified equipment and maintaining
accurate records of oil-handling operations.
Prepare by Hassan Ahmed.
