3 PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF A SPECIAL AREA
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.1087(28) – 2013 Guidelines for the Designation of Special Areas under MARPOL – (Adopted on 4 December 2013) - Annex – 2013 Guidelines for the Designation of Special Areas under MARPOL - 3 PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF A SPECIAL AREA

3 PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF A SPECIAL AREA

  3.1 A proposal to designate a given sea area as a Special Area should be submitted to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for its consideration, in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Committee for submission of documents.

  3.2 A proposal to designate a sea area as a Special Area should contain:

  • .1 a draft amendment to MARPOL as the formal basis for the designation; and

  • .2 a background document setting forth all the relevant information to explain the need for the designation.

  3.3 The background document should contain the following information:

  • .1 a definition of the area proposed for designation, including its precise geographical coordinates. A reference chart is essential;

  • .2 an indication of the type of Special Area proposed. Proposals may be made simultaneously with respect to Annexes I, II, IV and V of MARPOL, but proposals for each Annex should be presented and evaluated separately;

  • .3 a general description of the area, including information regarding:

    • .1 oceanography;

    • .2 ecological characteristics;

    • .3 social and economic value;

    • .4 scientific and cultural significance;

    • .5 environmental pressures from ship-generated pollution;

    • .6 other environmental pressures; and

    • .7 measures already taken to protect the area.

    • This general description may be supported by annexes containing more detailed material, or by references to readily available documentation;

  • .4 an analysis of how the sea area in question fulfils the criteria for the designation of Special Areas set out in paragraphs 2.3 to 2.6; and

  • .5 information on the availability of adequate reception facilities in the proposed Special Area.

  3.4 The formal amendment procedure applicable to proposals for the designation of Special Areas is set out in article 16 of MARPOL.

  Detailed discharge requirements

  3.5 For detailed requirements relating to discharges under Annexes I, II, IV and V to MARPOL, reference should be made to the latest version of the Convention in force.

Parent topic: Annex – 2013 Guidelines for the Designation of Special Areas under MARPOL
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