International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78)

Name of the agreement Aim of the document Important

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 73/78)
(Adoption: 1973 (Convention), 1978 (1978 Protocol), 1997 (Protocol –
Annex VI); Entry into force: 2 October 1983 (Annexes I and II).

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MARPOL is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships
from operational or accidental causes. MARPOL regulates maritime-related environmental protection actions on a global scale
and it includes six annexes, which regulate different types of loads and harmful pollutants originating from ships.

 Annex II Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk
– Details the discharge criteria and measures for the control of
pollution by noxious liquid substances carried in bulk;
Annex III Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form
– Contains requirements for the issuing of standards on packing,
marking, labelling, documentation, stowage, quantity limitations,
exceptions and notifications.