MARPOL 73/78 _ Annex II

Summary

This video discusses the International Convention for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS), particularly focusing on Annex 2, which regulates pollution caused by hazardous liquids in bulk. The convention aims to control and prevent pollution from toxic substances in large quantities, both accidental and intentional. The video covers the classification of substances into categories A, B, C, and D, detailing discharge restrictions, operational requirements, and the procedures for handling and unloading cargo. It also highlights the responsibilities of ship operators, surveyors, and governments in ensuring compliance with the regulations to protect marine environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 The International Convention MARPOL 7378, adopted in April 1987, regulates the control and prevention of pollution from hazardous liquid substances in large quantities in the marine environment.
• 😀 Annex 2 of MARPOL 7378 defines categories (A, B, C, D) for noxious liquid substances based on their potential to harm the marine environment or human health when discharged into the sea.
• 😀 Category A substances pose the highest risk, requiring strict discharge limits and tank washing protocols to prevent significant harm to the marine environment and human health.
• 😀 Category B substances also pose a risk to marine resources and human health, with specific discharge restrictions to reduce potential harm.
• 😀 Category C substances present a minor risk, with discharge regulations allowing for limited environmental impact, as long as conditions like the ship’s location and speed are met.
• 😀 Category D substances have the least harmful effect on the environment, but still require specific discharge conditions to prevent minimal disruption.
• 😀 In 2007, MARPOL 7378 was revised to include new classifications (X, Y, Z) for more detailed handling and discharge rules for toxic liquid substances.
• 😀 Ships carrying toxic liquid substances must adhere to strict cargo reporting, operational procedures, and emergency plans to ensure safe handling and pollution prevention.
• 😀 A Cargo Record Book is required for all ships carrying hazardous liquids to document operations like loading, unloading, tank cleaning, and discharge to ensure compliance with MARPOL 7378.
• 😀 Emergency plans are mandatory for ships over 150 tons gross tonnage, detailing procedures for reporting and handling pollution incidents involving noxious liquid substances.
• 😀 The implementation of MARPOL 7378 includes mandatory surveys and inspections of ships to ensure compliance, with a five-year certification cycle for vessels carrying noxious liquids in bulk.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the International Convention MARPOL 7378?

The primary purpose of the International Convention MARPOL 7378 is to regulate the control and prevention of pollution caused by toxic liquid substances in large quantities, whether intentional or unintentional, and to reduce the consequences of accidents and pollution in the marine environment.

What are the four categories of noxious liquid substances (NLS) defined in Annex II of MARPOL 7378?

The four categories of noxious liquid substances (NLS) defined in Annex II of MARPOL 7378 are Category A, Category B, Category C, and Category D. These categories are based on the risk they pose to marine resources, human health, and the overall comfort of the marine environment.

What is the main difference between Category A and Category B substances in terms of their risk to the marine environment?

Category A substances pose a significant risk to marine resources or human health, or cause serious interference with the marine environment. In contrast, Category B substances pose a lesser risk, but still have the potential to harm marine resources or human health.

What is required from ships carrying Category A toxic liquids in terms of unloading and tank washing?

Ships carrying Category A toxic liquids must wash the tanks after unloading, ensuring that the washing water is discharged to a reception facility until the concentration of toxins is reduced to a safe level. Under certain conditions, washing water can be discharged into the sea if the ship is outside special areas and meets specific criteria.

How does the discharge procedure differ for ships carrying Category C liquid substances?

For ships carrying Category C liquid substances, the tank must be washed to ensure that the remaining cargo does not exceed a specified amount. If water is added, it can be discharged into the sea as long as the ship is outside special areas and meets specific operational criteria.

What new classifications were introduced in the 2007 revision of Annex II?

The 2007 revision of Annex II introduced new classifications, including Category X, Category Y, and Category Z, to further differentiate the levels of harm posed by toxic liquid substances when discharged into the sea. These categories focus on substances causing great harm, moderate harm, or minimal harm to the marine environment and human health.

What are the operational discharge regulations according to Annex II?

Operational discharge regulations under Annex II include restrictions on discharges resulting from cargo spills, cargo overflow, or tank washing. Ships must follow specific procedures for discharging residues, including using approved reception facilities or discharging into the sea under certain conditions.

What must be included in the cargo record book on ships carrying noxious liquid substances?

The cargo record book must include details of cargo operations such as loading, unloading, internal transfers, tank washing, ballast filling, disposal of residues, and any discharges into the sea or removal by ventilation. It must be filled out tank by tank and kept on board for three years.

What role does the ship's procedure manual play in ensuring compliance with MARPOL 7378?

The ship's procedure manual helps ensure compliance with MARPOL 7378 by providing detailed instructions on cargo handling, tank washing, ballast handling, and disposal of residues. It also outlines the ship's layout, equipment, and operating procedures to minimize the discharge of toxic substances into the marine environment.

What are the survey and inspection requirements for ships under Annex II?

Ships must undergo regular surveys to ensure compliance with Annex II, including an initial survey, annual surveys, intermediate surveys, and additional surveys as needed. Ships operating internationally are issued an International Pollution Prevention Certificate, while domestic ships may undergo surveys as required by the administration.