MARPOL Special Areas include the North Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and the South-East Pacific Ocean. These are designated as Special Areas where the discharge of garbage is strictly controlled.
Special Areas under MARPOL are regions where the regulations are more stringent due to their environmental sensitivity. Additionally, the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), which was established to address the unique challenges of operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters, includes additional requirements specific to polar regions.
Special Areas (MARPOL & POLAR code) have enhanced regulations to prevent pollution and protect sensitive marine environments. Strict controls on garbage disposal, detailed record-keeping, and reliance on port reception facilities are key components of managing waste in these areas.
General Prohibition and Disposal Regulations
MARPOL Annex V prohibits the discharge of all garbage into the sea, except as specifically provided in the regulations. In Special Areas, the discharge rules are even stricter to protect vulnerable marine environments.
Garbage Types
Different types of garbage have different discharge rules:
- Food Waste: Can be discharged only if it has been processed (Comminuted or ground food wastes must be able to pass through a screen with mesh no larger than 25 mm) and only if distance is more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land. Food waste not comminuted or ground is prohibited to be discharged.
- Non-HME cargo residues contained in wash water: Discharge only if distance is more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land.
- Cleaning agents and additives contained in cargo hold wash water: Discharge only if distance is more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land.
- All other garbage: Discharge is prohibited.
Requirements of Polar Areas
Arctic Region
In the Arctic region, garbage discharge is allowed under the Polar Code, but only under stringent conditions. Food waste discharge is permitted when the ship is as far as practicable from areas of ice concentration exceeding 1/10, and no less than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, ice shelf, or fast ice. The food waste must be comminuted or ground to pass through a screen with openings no greater than 25 mm, and it must not be contaminated by any other type of garbage.
Additionally, food waste discharge onto the ice is strictly prohibited. Non-HME (Harmful to the Marine Environment) cargo residues contained in wash water, as well as cleaning agents and additives in cargo hold wash water, may only be discharged if the ship is more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land. The discharge of all other types of garbage is strictly prohibited in the Arctic.
Antarctic Region
In the Antarctic region, food waste discharges are allowed only when the ship is as far as practicable from areas of ice concentration exceeding 1/10, and at least 12 nautical miles from the nearest fast ice. Discharge of food waste onto the ice is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, the discharge of introduced avian products, such as poultry and poultry parts, is not permitted unless they have been sterilized through treatment. The Antarctic region is otherwise subject to a complete prohibition on the discharge of all types of garbage due to its extreme environmental sensitivity. Ships entering the Antarctic area must have sufficient capacity to retain all garbage on board while operating in the region, with arrangements in place to discharge the waste at a reception facility after leaving the area.
Record Keeping
- Garbage Management Plan: Ships must have a Garbage Management Plan that complies with both the Polar Code and MARPOL Annex V requirements and maintain a Garbage Record Book. The plan outlines procedures for handling and disposing of garbage in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Garbage Record Book: This document must detail the types of garbage, amounts, and disposal methods. In Special Areas, the recording is crucial to demonstrate adherence to stricter regulations.
Reception Facilities
Ports and terminals in Special Areas are required to have adequate reception facilities for garbage, making it easier for ships to discharge their waste before entering these sensitive regions.
Key considerations for compliance
- Ships must have a Garbage Management Plan that complies with both the Polar Code (if applicable) and MARPOL Annex V requirements.
- Ships are subject to inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. In Special Areas, enforcement is more rigorous, and violations can result in significant penalties.
- Crew members need to be trained in garbage management and applicable regulations to ensure proper handling and disposal practices.
Do you know what happens with animal carcasses?
Animal carcass discharge is permitted only outside Special Areas and must occur as far as possible from the nearest land! However, animal carcasses resulting from mortalities more than those generated during the normal operation of a ship are not considered “garbage” in MARPOL Annex V.
