MARPOL Introduction | Sea Shell Shore

MARPOL is the International convention aimed at the prevention of pollution from ships caused by operational or accidental causes. It was adopted at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1973. The Protocol of 1978 was adopted in response to a spate of tanker accidents in 1976-1977. The Convention includes regulations aimed at preventing and minimizing pollution from ships - both accidental pollution and that from routine operations - and currently includes six technical Annexes. Special Areas with strict controls on operational discharges are included in most Annexes. The annexes are as follows : Annex I Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil Annex II Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk Annex III Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form Annex IV Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships Annex V Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships Annex VI Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships Watch ANN