China’s Hainan Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) has issued a Notice to Implement Ship Pollution Control Plan, that details actions to be taken by the MSA between 3 November 2017 – 3 December 2018, to control of emission of ship’s pollutants and ballast water discharge.
During this period, inspections will be carried out on ships, fuel suppliers and units that receive ships’ pollutants, the American Club informed. The main contents of the Notice are:
Inspections on ships and fuel supplies
- Documentary inspection on quality of fuel of ships calling at Hainan ports : The inspection will focus on checking the records of Oil Record Book, integrity of bunker delivery notes and fuel samples, compliance of the index of the fuel. For ships navigating internationally, the fuel shall meet the requirements as set forth in Annex VI of MARPOL Convention 73/78, whereas the fuel of domestic ships shall comply with the marine fuel oil standards as set forth by the Chinese GB 17411-2015 standard.
- Fuel sampling : The sample inspection will be carried out mainly on fuel suppliers. Meanwhile, if a ship is found emitting black smoke, or violating documentary requirements, or does not keep fuel sample, the MSA will take sample of the fuel of the ship to check and verify compliance with relevant requirement.
- Punishment : In the following circumstances, the ship would be warned and educated, ordered to rectify the illegal behavior, detained or levied other punishments depending on the gravity of violation:
1. using non-compliant fuel;
2. not record on document;
3. not keeping bunker delivery notes or fuel samples;
4. not taking effective alternative measures such as using shore based power, clean energy, exhaust treatment equipment; or
5. emitting excessive air pollutants.
Supervision and inspection on ship’s compliance with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWMC).
The inspection will focus on whether or not the ship:
- holds on board the valid international ballast water management certificate;
- maintains a ballast water management plan;
- maintains a ballast water management record book,
- or its equipment corresponds with the particulars of the international ballast water management certificate;
- whether or not the record of ballast water management record book reflects the true condition of ship’s disposal of ballast water;
- whether or not the crew in charge is familiar with the basic procedure;
- relevant operation and equipment requirement relating to ballast water management; and
- whether or not the ship disposes of or discharges ballast water in accordance with requirement.
Explore more herebelow:
