1 Introduction

  1.1 The revised MARPOL Annex V with an entry into force date of 1 January 2013, prohibits the discharge of all types of garbage into the sea unless explicitly permitted under the Annex. These guidelines have been developed taking into account the regulations set forth in Annex V, as amended, of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, (MARPOL) (hereinafter referred to as the "Convention"). The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance to governments, shipowners, ship operators, ships' crews, cargo owners, port reception facility operators and equipment manufacturers. The guidelines are divided into the following six sections that provide a general framework upon which governments can formulate programmes:

• Introduction;
• Garbage management;
• Management of cargo residues of solid bulk cargoes;
• Training, education and information;
• Port reception facilities for garbage; and
• Enhancement of compliance with MARPOL Annex V.

  1.2 Under the revised MARPOL Annex V, discharge of all garbage is now prohibited, except as specifically permitted in regulations 3, 4, 5 and 6 of MARPOL Annex V. MARPOL Annex V reverses the historical presumption that garbage may be discharged into the sea based on the nature of the garbage and defined distances from shore. Regulation 7 provides limited exceptions to these regulations in emergency and non-routine situations. Generally, discharge is restricted to food wastes, identified cargo residues, animal carcasses, and identified cleaning agents and additives and cargo residues entrained in washwater which are not harmful to the marine environment. It is recommended that ships use port reception facilities as the primary means of discharge for all garbage.

  1.3 Recognizing that the Annex V regulations continue to restrict the discharge of garbage into the sea, require garbage management for ships, and that garbage management technology continues to evolve, it is recommended that governments and the Organization continue to gather information and review these guidelines periodically.

  1.4 Regulation 8 of MARPOL Annex V provides that Governments must ensure the provision of adequate port reception facilities for garbage from ships and should facilitate and promote their use. Section 5 provides guidelines for these facilities.

  1.5 The Convention provides definitions for terms used throughout these guidelines. Section 1.6 includes relevant aspects of these definitions, followed by other definitions which are useful for these guidelines.