Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk - Strict Enforcement of MARPOL Annex II in Paris MOU Ports

Steamship Mutual

Published: January 01, 2007

January 2007

The revised MARPOL Annex II "Regulations for the control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk" enter into force on 1 January 2007. Under the revised system substances are divided into four categories - X,Y,Z and "Other". The classification of a substance as either a major hazard to marine resources and human health, a hazard, a minor hazard or as posing no threat, will dictate whether discharge is prohibited, restricted (to a greater or lesser degree) or permitted.

The potential for marine pollution posed by thousands of chemicals has been evaluated by the Evaluation of Hazardous Substances Working Group at IMO, giving a resultant GESAMP2 Hazard Profile which indexes the substance according to its bio-accumulation; bio-degradation; acute toxicity; chronic toxicity; long-term health effects; and effects on marine wildlife and habitats.

The revision of MARPOL Annex II is a significant step forward in the prevention of marine pollution. The Paris MOU has announced its commitment to the enforcement of the new requirements: With effect from 1 January 2007 port state control inspections in the Paris MOU region will include, but not be limited to, verification of:

Validity of the Certificate of Fitness (CoF) for the Carriage of Liquid Chemicals in Bulk;
Validity and approved Procedures and Arrangements Manual on board;
Products on board in accordance with the CoF and as per revised list;
New operational requirements followed and recorded;
STCW requirements regarding the relevant and appropriate certificates and endorsement of duly authorized certificates in accordance with Reg. V-1 and 2

Vessels which are deficient in any of these aspects may face action by port state control officers, including detention.