International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is one of the most important marine environmental conventions working to minimize pollution of the oceans and seas from ships engaged in international trade. It was adopted in 1973 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and updated by amendments through the years. It entered into force on 2 October 1983 and it has 169 parties.
Background
In the 1950s and 1960s, there was a growing recognition of the threats posed by oil tankers and other ships releasing oily wastes and bilge into the oceans. Several disastrous oil spills occurred during this time, capturing global attention. To tackle this major problem, the first MARPOL Convention was signed in 1973, dealing primarily with oil pollution. It officially came into force in 1983.
Key Components
The MARPOL Convention includes six technical Annexes covering various sources of ship-generated pollution and setting limits and rules for controlling them:
- Annex I: Prevention of pollution by oil
- Annex II: Control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk
- Annex III: Prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged forms
- Annex IV: Prevention of pollution by sewage from ships
- Annex V: Prevention of pollution by garbage from ships
- Annex VI: Prevention of air pollution from ships
Some key parts of these Annexes include discharge criteria for oil, noxious liquids, sewage, garbage and air pollution from ship exhaust emissions. Countries which are signatories to MARPOL are expected to comply with these rules and punish violations within their jurisdictions. Port and Flag states of ships are also responsible for verifying compliance and applying control measures.
Impacts
One of the major achievements under MARPOL Annex I and II has been phasing out single-hull oil tankers which were more prone to accidental pollution and replacing them with double-hull tankers with extra layers of protection. Annex VI implementing stricter sulfur limits in fuel oil has also yielded positive air quality results. Though illegal discharges still occur, MARPOL has been successful in strengthening both environmental regulations and their enforcement for international shipping.
India and MARPOL
India ratified MARPOL in 1986 and enforces provisions of the MARPOL convention in its ports and territorial waters. India complies with MARPOL regulations related to control of pollution from oil, chemicals, packaged goods, sewage and air emissions. All Indian ships engaged in international voyages are also subject to surveys and certification as per MARPOL requirements. The government of India instituted national regulations based on MARPOL as early as 1991 under its Merchant Shipping Act. Enforcement of MARPOL provisions in India is managed by the Director General of Shipping and national / regional port authorities via inspections, surveys and penalties for violations.
