MARPOL

The International Convention for the Prevention of Maritime Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) was adopted in 1973 and entered into force ten years later. It contains regulations designed to prevent pollution of the sea, land and air caused accidentally or during routine operations by ships transporting oil cargoes, by noxious or harmful cargoes, and by sewage and garbage.

It also aims at cleaning up the oceans. There are requirements in it for storing, treating and discharging of the above mentioned substances as well as procedures for reporting of incidents involving dangerous goods, harmful substances and/or marine pollutants. The convention includes the following six annexes:

1. Prevention of Pollution by Oil
2. Prevention of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (e.g. chemicals)
3. Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried in Packages (e.g. containers, tanks)
4. Prevention of Pollution by Sewage
5. Prevention of Pollution by Garbage
6. Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships

The original MARPOL Convention 73 together with the 78 Protocol are collectively known as MARPOL 73/78.

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