Who Does Marpol Annex 5 Apply To: Key Regulations Unveiled

Is MARPOL Annex V applicable to all ships? According to MARPOL Annex V regulations, every vessel with a gross tonnage of 100 or more and every ship authorized to accommodate 15 or more individuals is mandated to have a Garbage Management Plan in place. This requirement came into effect on April 21, 2023. This plan is essential for ensuring proper waste disposal at sea and plays a critical role in environmental protection efforts within the maritime industry.

MARPOL, short for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, has a broad scope of application. It extends its regulations to encompass a wide range of vessels and entities operating within the maritime domain. Specifically, MARPOL applies to all ships registered under the flag of a State that is a member of the Convention. Moreover, it extends its jurisdiction to cover not only these registered vessels but also any other types of vessels operating within the Convention’s jurisdiction. This inclusive scope includes various vessels like hydrofoil boats, air-cushion vehicles, submersibles, floating craft, as well as fixed or floating platforms. Essentially, MARPOL’s regulatory framework casts a wide net to address pollution prevention across the diverse maritime industry, ensuring environmental protection in the marine environment.