1 Purpose
This Marine Notice provides an overview of the MARPOL Convention's requirements for the prevention of pollution from ships, and explains NVMD's role in surveying compliance and issuing relevant certificates on behalf of flag state administrations.
2 MARPOL 73/78 — Overview
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78), as amended, is the principal international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. MARPOL comprises six Annexes, each addressing a specific category of pollution.
3 MARPOL Annexes Summary
| Annex | Pollution Type | Key Certificate / Record | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex I | Oil | IOPP Certificate; Oil Record Book (Parts I & II) | Mandatory |
| Annex II | Noxious liquid substances in bulk (NLS) | NLS Certificate; Cargo Record Book | Mandatory |
| Annex III | Harmful substances in packaged form | IMDG Code compliance | Mandatory |
| Annex IV | Sewage | International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate | Mandatory |
| Annex V | Garbage | Garbage Management Plan; Garbage Record Book | Mandatory |
| Annex VI | Air Pollution (SOx, NOx, ODS, VOC, GHG) | IAPP Certificate; IEE Certificate; SEEMP | Mandatory |
4 Energy Efficiency Measures
Annex VI Chapter 4 on Energy Efficiency introduces:
- EEDI — Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships
- SEEMP — Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (all ships)
- CII Rating — Carbon Intensity Indicator with annual rating (in force from 2023)
- EEXI — Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index
From 2023, ships of 5,000 GT and above are required to calculate, report, and be rated on their CII annually. Ships with a D or E rating for three consecutive years must submit an action plan for improvement. NVMD can assist with SEEMP Part III preparation and CII documentation.
5 NVMD Survey Scope
NVMD surveys for MARPOL compliance include verification of installed equipment (oily water separators, incinerators, scrubbers, sewage treatment plants), review of required record books and plans, checking of EGCS (scrubber) operational documentation, and confirmation of the SEEMP Part III CII plan.