TOPIC 1: THE
CONVENTION OF
MARITIME
POLLUTION
WHAT IS MARITIME
POLLUTION?
Maritime pollution, also known
as marine pollution, refers to
the contamination of the marine
environment, including oceans
and seas, by substances or
energy introduced by human
activities. This pollution can
have harmful effects on marine
life, human health, and various
marine activities.
WHAT IS
MARPOL?
•International treaty to prevent marine pollution from
ships
•Addresses both accidental spills (e.g., collisions,
grounding) and operational discharges (e.g., bilge water,
garbage)
•Developed and maintained by the International
Maritime Organization (IMO)
•Enforced globally to protect marine ecosystems and
human health
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
•1973: MARPOL Convention adopted by IMO members
▪︎Initial challenge: Slow ratification due to cost of
compliance & limited shipboard technology.
•1978 Protocol: Created after major oil spills (Torrey Canyon
1967, Amoco Cadiz 1978)
-Strengthened ship design, inspection, and crew training
standards
•MARPOL 73/78: Combination of the 1973 Convention + 1978
Protocol
•Entered into force October 2, 1983 after meeting ratification
requirements from countries with significant shipping tonnage.
MAIN OBJECTIVE OF
MARPOL
•Prevent all forms of marine pollution from
ships:
-Oil, harmful chemicals, packaged dangerous
goods
-Sewage, garbage, and air emissions
•Applies to all ships engaged in both
international and domestic voyages
•Protects not only water quality but also marine
WHAT MARPOL COVERS
•Two main legal components:
a. 1973 Convention – foundation rules against
ship pollution
b. Protocols – updates & improvements over
time
▪︎1978 Protocol: Enhanced oil spill prevention
measures
SIX ANNEXES
1. Annex I – Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil
2. Annex II – Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious
Liquid Substances in Bulk
3. Annex III – Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Harmful
Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form
4. Annex IV – Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage
from Ships
5. Annex V – Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage
from Ships
6. Annex VI – Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from
Ships
SIX ANNEXES
MARPOL CONSOLIDATED
EDITION
•Official publication by the IMO containing
the full, updated text of MARPOL,
including all annexes and amendments in
force at the time of printing.
•Makes it easier to access the latest rules
without checking each amendment
separately.
•Updated periodically — next edition
usually issued after significant
amendments enter into force.
ANNEX I: OIL POLLUTION
•Prevents discharge of oil or oily mixtures
into the sea
•Requires:
-Oil Water Separators (OWS)
-Oil Content Monitors (OCM)
-Oil Record Books for logging operations
•Special Areas: Zero oil discharge policy
•Includes emergency plans for oil spill
response
ANNEX II: NOXIOUS LIQUID
SUBSTANCES
•Covers harmful liquid chemicals carried in
bulk tankers
•Four pollution categories (X, Y, Z, OS)
based on environmental hazard level
•Requires:
-Approved tank cleaning methods
-Discharge only to shore reception
ANNEX III: HARMFUL
SUBSTANCES IN PACKAGED
FORM
•Ensures safe handling of packaged
dangerous goods
•Requirements:
-Secure packaging & stowage
-Proper labeling & documentation
•Prevents leaks during loading, unloading, or
transport
ANNEX IV: SEWAGE
POLLUTION
•Regulates discharge of sewage from ships
•Ships must have:
-Sewage treatment plants OR
-Sewage holding tanks
•Only discharge at permitted distances from land
or in designated areas
ANNEX V: GARBAGE
POLLUTION
•Absolute ban on plastic disposal at sea
•Disposal rules vary for other garbage
types depending on distance from shore
•Requires Garbage Management Plans
and Garbage Record Books
ANNEX VI: AIR POLLUTION
•Limits emissions of Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
•Regulates use of cleaner fuels &
installation of exhaust scrubbers
•Promotes energy efficiency measures to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions
VIOLATIONS
•Examples of violations:
-Dumping oil in special areas
-Throwing plastics into the sea
-Releasing untreated sewage near shore
-Failing to maintain required
logs/equipment
•Penalties may include fines, detention of
vessel, suspension of certificates, or jail time
CONCLUSIO
N
•MARPOL is a cornerstone in protecting the marine
environment from ship-sourced pollution
•Adopted by IMO with six annexes and two main
protocols
•Addresses oil, chemicals, packaged goods, sewage,
garbage, and air pollution
•Effectiveness depends on strict compliance, crew
awareness, and international cooperation
•Together, we safeguard the ocean — our shared
THANK
YOU
