Revision Notes for MARPOL Annex II: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk
MARPOL Annex II addresses the control of pollution by noxious liquid substances (NLS) carried in bulk. This annex lays down regulations to minimize the risk of pollution from chemical tankers and other ships carrying noxious substances.
Key Definitions and Explanations
- Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS):
- Definition: Substances that can cause harm to the marine environment or human health if discharged into the sea. These are classified into different categories based on their hazard level.
- Explanation: NLS includes a wide range of chemicals and pollutants that require special handling and discharge procedures.
- Categories of NLS:
- Category X: NLS that present a major hazard to the marine environment or human health and prohibit any discharge into the sea.
- Category Y: NLS that present a hazard to the marine environment or human health and allow limited discharge under strict conditions.
- Category Z: NLS that present a minor hazard to the marine environment or human health and allow less stringent discharge conditions.
- Other Substances (OS): Substances that present a very low hazard to the marine environment and are not subject to stringent discharge conditions.
- Explanation: These categories ensure that the discharge regulations are appropriate to the level of hazard presented by each substance.
Differences Between Ship Types
- Type 1 Ship:
- Definition: A ship intended to carry products with a significant hazard to the marine environment requiring maximum preventive measures.
- Explanation: Type 1 ships have the highest level of protection measures, including double hulls and segregated ballast tanks, to prevent pollution in case of an accident. They are designed to carry the most hazardous substances.
- Type 2 Ship:
- Definition: A ship intended to carry products with a moderate hazard requiring significant preventive measures.
- Explanation: Type 2 ships have stringent design and construction requirements, but not as extreme as Type 1 ships. They are used for substances that are still hazardous but present a lower risk than those carried by Type 1 ships.
- Type 3 Ship:
- Definition: A ship intended to carry products with a less severe hazard requiring basic preventive measures.
- Explanation: Type 3 ships are designed to carry substances that pose the least hazard among NLS. They have the least stringent requirements for construction and equipment compared to Type 1 and Type 2 ships.
Conditions for Discharge of NLS
- General Conditions:
- Distance from Land: Discharge must occur at a specific distance from the nearest land, typically at least 12 nautical miles.
- En Route: The ship must be en route.
- Below Waterline: Discharge must occur below the waterline through an underwater discharge outlet.
- Explanation: These conditions help minimize the risk of pollution by ensuring that discharges occur far from coastal areas and below the surface to prevent immediate impact on marine life.
- Specific Conditions for Categories:
- Category X: No discharge is permitted into the sea.
- Category Y: Discharge is permitted under strict conditions, including minimum distance from land and maximum allowable concentration.
- Category Z: Discharge is permitted under less stringent conditions compared to Category Y.
- Other Substances (OS): Discharge is generally permitted with minimal restrictions.
- Explanation: Different discharge criteria help control the environmental impact based on the hazard level of each substance.
- Special Areas:
- Definition: In special areas designated by MARPOL, stricter discharge requirements apply.
- Examples: Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and other ecologically sensitive regions.
- Explanation: These areas have heightened protection measures to preserve their unique marine environments, preventing any discharge of harmful substances.
- Maximum Allowable Concentrations:
- Explanation: Maximum allowable concentrations for noxious liquid substances are specified in MARPOL Annex II. These concentrations vary depending on the category of the substance (X, Y, or Z). The limits are detailed in the Procedures and Arrangements Manual (Appendix 4 of Annex II). You can find these limits in the Cargo Record Book (Appendix 2 of Annex II).
Required Certificates
- International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (NLS Certificate):
- Definition: Certifies that a ship complies with the requirements of MARPOL Annex II.
- Validity: Valid for a maximum of 5 years, subject to annual surveys.
- Explanation: The NLS Certificate ensures that ships meet all necessary standards for safely carrying noxious substances.
- Cargo Record Book:
- Definition: A logbook where all NLS-related operations are recorded.
- Explanation: Ensures proper documentation and compliance with regulations for the carriage of NLS.
Considerations for Deck Officers Regarding NLS
- Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate records in the Cargo Record Book of all NLS-related operations, including loading, unloading, and tank cleaning.
- Ensure proper documentation of prewash procedures and any discharge operations.
- Equipment Operation:
- Familiarize with the operation and maintenance of pollution prevention equipment, such as tank cleaning systems and discharge monitoring systems.
- Regularly inspect and test equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly.
- Training:
- Ensure all crew members are trained in handling NLS and understand the discharge regulations.
- Conduct regular drills and training sessions to maintain readiness.
- Compliance:
- Ensure the vessel complies with MARPOL Annex II regulations, including maintaining required certificates and adhering to discharge criteria.
Considerations for Master Mariners Regarding NLS
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure the vessel meets all MARPOL Annex II requirements and maintains valid certificates.
- Oversee the maintenance of the Cargo Record Book and ensure all entries are accurate and up-to-date.
- Operational Oversight:
- Supervise the proper operation and maintenance of pollution prevention equipment.
- Ensure adherence to prewash procedures and discharge regulations, especially in Special Areas.
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Implement and regularly update the Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP).
- Conduct regular training and drills to ensure the crew is prepared for incidents involving NLS.
- Environmental Protection:
- Promote a culture of environmental responsibility on board.
- Stay informed about new regulations and best practices for the prevention of NLS pollution.
Emergency Response Procedures
- Explanation: Ships carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk must have a Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP). This plan is required for all ships of 150 gross tonnage and above. The procedures are outlined in Regulation 17 of MARPOL Annex II and the Guidelines for the Development of Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plans (Resolution MEPC.85(44)).
- Contents of SMPEP:
- Contact details for authorities and response organizations.
- Step-by-step procedures for responding to pollution incidents.
- Details on ship-specific equipment and resources for dealing with spills.
- Procedures for reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.
Required Publications/Documents
- International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (NLS Certificate).
- Cargo Record Book (Appendix 2 of Annex II).
- Procedures and Arrangements Manual (Appendix 4 of Annex II).
- International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code) for ships built after July 1, 1986.
- Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP).
These documents ensure compliance with international regulations and help protect the marine environment from pollution.
By understanding and applying these detailed notes on MARPOL Annex II, Master Mariner candidates can effectively prevent pollution by noxious liquid substances and contribute to the protection of the marine environment. Good luck with your studies and future maritime career!