Question 1

Your examiner asks: "What are the MARPOL Annex IV requirements for sewage discharge, and when was it made mandatory?" Give the OOW-level answer.

Accepted Answer

MARPOL Annex IV (Sewage) entered into force 2003; mandatory for new ships from 2003, existing ships from 2008. Discharge is prohibited unless: the vessel has an approved sewage treatment plant producing compliant effluent; OR the vessel is more than 12nm from land using a comminuting/disinfecting system; OR the vessel is more than 12nm from land discharging untreated sewage. In new special areas (Baltic from 2021 for passenger ships; extended to others) — zero discharge of untreated sewage regardless of distance. Ships 400 GT+ on international voyages must carry an ISPP (International Sewage Pollution Prevention) Certificate. MARPOL Annex IV Regulation 11: the 12nm limit for untreated sewage applies to ships NOT on a voyage, or when the vessel is not travelling at no less than 4 knots. For ships making way at 4 knots or more: comminuted and disinfected sewage may be discharged at 3nm or more from land. ISPP Certificate: issued by flag state or RO, confirms approved sewage treatment plant (Type I or II) or holding tank and discharge connection. The Baltic Sea became a special area for sewage under MARPOL Annex IV from June 2019 (cruise ships initially). Candidates for OOW should know that passenger vessels with large sewage production face the most significant Annex IV constraints, but the annex applies to all ships 400 GT+ on international voyages.

Question 2

Your examiner asks: "What are the six MARPOL Annexes and what does each cover?" Give a complete answer.

Accepted Answer

Annex I: Oil (mandatory). Annex II: Noxious Liquid Substances in bulk — NLS (mandatory). Annex III: Harmful Substances in packaged form (mandatory). Annex IV: Sewage (mandatory for new ships from 2003; existing ships phased in). Annex V: Garbage (mandatory). Annex VI: Air Pollution from ships — SOx, NOx, ODS, VOC, shipboard incineration (mandatory). All six are now mandatory for parties to MARPOL 73/78. MARPOL 73/78 entered into force 2 October 1983. Originally Annexes I and II were mandatory; III-VI were optional. However, all six are now effectively mandatory as all major flag and port states have ratified all annexes. Key for OOW orals: Annex I (oil) governs the Oil Record Book Part I (machinery space operations) and Part II (cargo/ballast for tankers). Annex V (garbage) governs the Garbage Management Plan and Garbage Record Book. Annex VI (air pollution) includes ECA requirements for 0.1% sulphur fuel in Emission Control Areas (North Sea, Baltic, North American coast, US Caribbean). Candidates must know which annex covers which pollutant — examiners cross-test by describing a pollutant and asking which annex applies.

Question 3

Your vessel is 18 nautical miles offshore in a non-special area. Can you discharge food waste overboard? What about plastic? Describe the MARPOL Annex V discharge requirements.

Accepted Answer

Food waste: may be discharged at least 12nm from nearest land (comminuted/ground food waste at 3nm or more). Plastics: ZERO discharge anywhere at sea — a complete ban regardless of distance or location. Paper, rags, glass, metal, bottles: minimum 12nm from land (not in special areas). Garbage mixed with other substances having different discharge requirements must meet the stricter standard. A Garbage Management Plan and Garbage Record Book are required for vessels 100 GT+. MARPOL Annex V (revised 2013, Reg 3): the key principle is that ALL plastics are banned from any discharge at sea — this is absolute and applies everywhere. Food waste: at least 12nm from nearest land in normal areas; 3nm if comminuted/ground through a screen of no more than 25mm. Special areas (Baltic, Black Sea, Antarctic, etc.): comminuted food waste at 12nm minimum; no other food waste discharge. Dunnage, linings, packing materials: at least 25nm (if not plastic). The Garbage Management Plan (required for ships 100 GT+) must specify procedures for all garbage streams. The Garbage Record Book entries must be made for all discharges overboard and to port reception facilities. Plastic bags used for garbage storage are a common OOW catch question — they must NOT be discharged even if the contents would be allowed.