Port State Control - MARPOL Annex V

02 Dec 13 - 13:55

BMA Technical Alert No. 13-09

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has issued Technical Alert No. 13-09 regarding the New Amendments to MARPOL Annex V, which came into force on 1st January 2013.

The amendments to Annex V included revisions to the format of the Garbage Record Book, changes to the overboard disposal requirements
and introduction of new "Special Areas".

MARPOL Annex V related PSC detentions

Since the implementation of the revised MARPOL Annex V, five Bahamian ships have been detained by Port State Control (PSC) for deficiencies relating to contravention of MARPOL Annex V. Numerous non-detainable PSC deficiencies have also been imposed relating to contravention of MARPOL Annex V.

It has been noted that in the case of all of these detentions, the companies had incorporated changes into their Safety Management System to account for the amendments to MARPOL Annex V. Unfortunately the on board familiarisation and training of crew was not adequate and in one instance equipment for the disposal of food waste was defective.

Three detentions relate to the disposal of food waste in Special Areas without the prior use of a comminuter or grinder. If a vessel is not fitted with a comminuter or grinder, food waste must not be discharged overboard within Special Areas. In such cases food waste shall be retained on board to be disposed of ashore, or in accordance with MARPOL Annex V requirements once the vessel has left the Special Area.

Special Areas are defined in MARPOL Annex V and include Mediterranean Sea area, Baltic Sea area, Black Sea area, Red Sea area, Gulfs area, North Sea area, Antarctic area and the Wider Caribbean Region.

Investigations into all five of the MARPOL Annex V related detentions have found that the detentions were fully avoidable through proper implementation of the company SMS and proper on board training of crew.

Ship owners and Managers are urged to ensure that suitable safety management procedures are in place and fully implemented on their ships to ensure compliance with MARPOL Annex V at all times. Furthermore, any shipboard equipment required for compliance with MARPOL Annex V is to be maintained in working order and the crew responsible for its use fully trained in its operation.

Find the BMA Technical Alert No. 13-09 here.