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CONTENTSBackground on MarpolOverview of the ConventionAnnex ivAnnex viObligationsCurrent Legislative FrameworkConsultationsOther ImplicationsRecommendations

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BACKGROUND OF MARPOL 73/78Marpol 73/78 was adopted under the auspices of International Maritime Organisation (IMO ) a UN specialised agency that deals with maritime security, safety and marine environment protection Its stated objective is to preserve the marine environment through the complete elimination of pollution by oil and other harmful substances and minimasation of accidental discharge of such substancesSA acceded to Marpol 73/78 in 1984 and is party to all other annexes except annex iv and vi to complete the Marpol 73/78 annexures.

The convention is divided into six annexures:Annex I: Regulations for the prevention of pollution by oilAnnex II: Regulation for the control of pollution by noxious liquid substance in bulkAnnex III: Regulation for the prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried in a packaged formAnnex IV: Regulation for Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from ShipsAnnex V: Regulation for the control of pollution by garbage from ShipsAnnex VI: Regulation from prevention of Air pollution from Ships

OVERVIEW MARPOL 73/78

ANNEX IV DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE FROM SHIPSSewage Sewage" means: drainage and other wastes from any form of toilets and urinals; drainage from medical premises (dispensary, sick bay, etc.) via wash basins, wash tubs and scuppers located in such premises; drainage from spaces containing living animals; or other waste waters.Annex iv deals with discharge of sewage into the sea, ships equipment and systems for the control of sewage discharge, the provision of facilities at ports terminals for the reception of sewage, and requirements for survey and certificationIt is estimated that large ships that carry 500,000 passengers can discharge about 100,000 litres of sewage per day.The environmental problems associated with sewage from ships include the introduction of nutrients causing algal blooms and reduced oxygen levels which can pose a serious health risk to people who come into contact with polluted water during recreational activities.

Annex vi sets the limits on sulphur oxide (Sox) and nitrogen oxide (Nox) emissions from ships exhaust system It also prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substancesThe Annex further allows for an Emission Control Area to be designated for sulphur oxide (Sox) and nitrogen oxide (Nox), and other types of greenhouse emissions from shipsIn general Annex vi applies to all ships of 400 Gross Tonnage and above and to all fixed and floating drifting rigs and other platforms

ANNEX VI PREVENTION OF POLLUTION BY AIR FROM SHIPS

Annexure Vi consists of a set of requirements for survey and issuance of International Air Pollution Certificate and regulations regarding:

Ozone depleting substances from regulating plants' and fire fighting equipmentNitrogen ( Nox) from diesel enginesSulphur Oxides (Sox) from diesel engineVolatile organic compound Emissions from cargo tankers of oil tankersShipboard Incantations

ANNEX VI PREVENTION OF POLLUTION BY AIR FROM SHIPS

Currently in SA the discharge of sewage from commercial vessels is one of the few areas related to shipping where there are currently no enforceable international standardsMarine Pollution Prevention Act is the current legislation that regulates marine pollution SAMSA have the right to enforce the legislation

CURRENT LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Flag State: The country where a ship is registered is responsible for certifying the ships compliance with Marpol Prevention standards

Coastal State: South Africa as a signatory nation is responsible for enacting domestic legislation to implement the Convention and effectively pledges to comply with the convention, annex and related laws of other nations

Administration: Administration should undertake surveys when conducting Port State Control to request a certificate of compliance

The Government of each Party to the Convention, which requires ships operating waters under its jurisdiction and visiting ships while in its waters to comply with the requirements of regulation of the Convention undertakes to ensure provision of facilities at ports and terminals of the reception of sewage without causing delay to ships, adequate to meet the needs of the ship using them.

OBLIGATIONS AS PER THE CONVENTION

Under the convention SA has to main responsibilities:

To ensure that its vessels comply with the technical standards set by MARPOL 73/78To ensure that periodic survey and inspections of vessels are carried outTo issue certificates of compliance to annex iv and vi requirements

OBLIGATIONS TO SOUTH AFRICA

South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA), ASABOSA-ASL, South African Petroleum Industry, Transnet Ports Authority; Department of Environmental Affairs

All the stakeholders support the accession to Annex IV and VI

The Chief State Law Advisers from DIRCO and Department of Justice scrutinised the Annexures and have confirmed that Annex IV and VI are consistent with the domestic and international lawsCONSULTATIONS

Financial implications: Convention will not have any additional financial to the State.Communication implications: The State will deposit the instrument of accession with Secretary-General IMO after parliamentary approval.Security Implications: will not have any security implicationsImplementation Plan

the survey of ships is the function currently carried out by SAMSA aThe Transnet Ports Authority is responsible to ensure adequate reception facilities and carry out periodic survey

Parliamentary Procedure: The convention will be dealt in accordance with the provisions of Section 231 (2) and Parliamentary approval will be sought thereto.

OTHER IMPLICATIONS

It is recommended that the Portfolio Committee on Transport :

Notes South Africas intention to accede to MARPOL Annexure IV and VI

Approves submission of MARPOL Annexure IV and VI for tabling in Parliament.

RECOMMENDATIONS

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