Revised regulations (changes) of Marpol Annex V to prevent pollution by garbage from ship

Major changes have been made in the Annex V of Marpol, Regulation for the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from ships,  which is effective from 1st January 2013. The only discharges allowed are allowed as per Marpol Annex V are listed separately for special area and outside special areas.

Outside Special Areas 
Comminuted or ground food waste (able to pass through a screen with openings no greater than 25mm) allowed at a distance more than 3NM from nearest land
food waste and cargo residues that are not harmful to the marine environmentat a distance greater than 12NM from nearest land
Cleaning agents which are not harmful to the marine environment (contained in cargo hold, deck and external surfaces wash water)
Animal carcasses

Inside Special Areas
Comminuted or ground food waste (specification as stated above) at a distance of 12Nm away from nearest land.
Cleaning agents which are not harmful to the marine environment (contained in deck and external surfaces wash water).

• Ship should be enrouted
• A Revised Garbage Record Book
• Every vessel of 100 GT and above or carrying 15 persons or more shall carry a Garbage Management Plan.
• Ships 12 metres in length or more and fixed or floating platforms are to display placards notifying crew and passengers of the MARPOL Annex V requirements.
• Discharges of any garbage from fixed or floating platforms and from any ship alongside or within 500m of a fixed or floating platform are prohibited