2.7 Discharge

  2.7.1 Although discharge into the sea of limited types of garbage is permitted under Annex V, discharge of garbage to port reception facilities should be given primary consideration. When discharging garbage, the following points should be considered:

• .1 regulations 4, 5, and 6 of MARPOL Annex V, summarized in table 1, set forth the requirements for garbage permitted to be discharged into the sea. In general the discharge shall take place when the ship is en route and as far as practicable from the nearest land. Attempts should be made to spread the discharge over as wide an area as possible and in deep water (50 metres or more). Prevailing currents and tidal movements should be taken into consideration when discharging into the sea is permitted; and

• .2 to ensure timely transfer of large quantities of ship-generated garbage to port reception facilities, it is essential for shipowners, operators or their agents to make arrangements well in advance for garbage reception. At the same time, discharge needs should be identified in order to make arrangements for garbage requiring special handling or other necessary arrangements. Advice should be provided to the port of the type of garbage to be discharged and whether it is separated and the estimated amounts. The port may have special discharge requirements for food wastes and related garbage which may carry certain disease or pest organisms, dunnage, batteries, medicines, outdated pyrotechnics or unusually large, heavy, or odorous derelict fishing gear, etc.