MARPOL, sometimes seen in news is related toa)Pollution through E-Wast...
MARPOL, short for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, is a significant international treaty that aims to prevent and minimize pollution caused by ships. It was adopted in 1973 and has been updated several times since then. The correct answer to the question is option D, as MARPOL specifically addresses pollution from ships.
Ships, especially large commercial vessels, can have a detrimental impact on the environment due to various types of pollution they generate. MARPOL sets international standards and regulations to control and reduce this pollution. Let's explore the key aspects of MARPOL in detail:
1. Overview of MARPOL:
- MARPOL is a comprehensive international treaty that covers pollution from ships, including oil, chemicals, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, garbage, and air emissions.
- The convention is divided into six annexes, each addressing a specific type of pollution. These annexes are regularly updated and amended to incorporate new technologies and best practices.
2. Six Annexes of MARPOL:
a) Annex I - Oil Pollution:
- This annex aims to prevent oil pollution from ships by setting regulations for the prevention of oil spills, discharge of oily mixtures, and the design and equipment of oil tankers.
- It includes requirements for oil discharge monitoring and control systems, oil filtering equipment, and the use of oil reception facilities in ports.
b) Annex II - Noxious Liquid Substances:
- This annex focuses on the control of pollution caused by the transportation of noxious liquid substances in bulk.
- It provides criteria for the categorization, handling, and discharge of such substances, as well as tank cleaning procedures.
c) Annex III - Harmful Substances in Packaged Form:
- This annex deals with the packaging, labeling, and transport of harmful substances in packaged form.
- It aims to prevent pollution from these substances and ensures their safe and environmentally sound handling and disposal.
d) Annex IV - Sewage Pollution:
- Annex IV addresses the prevention of pollution from sewage and sets standards for the treatment and discharge of sewage from ships.
- It requires ships to have sewage treatment plants or holding tanks to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea.
e) Annex V - Garbage Pollution:
- This annex aims to minimize and regulate the disposal of garbage from ships, including plastics, food waste, paper, and fishing gear.
- It prohibits the dumping of most types of garbage at sea and mandates the use of onboard garbage management plans.
f) Annex VI - Air Pollution from Ships:
- Annex VI focuses on reducing air pollution caused by ships by regulating emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other harmful pollutants.
- It sets limits on emissions, introduces emission control areas (ECAs), and encourages the use of cleaner fuels and technologies.
3. Enforcement and Compliance:
- MARPOL is enforced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations.
- IMO member states are responsible for implementing and enforcing the regulations within their territorial waters and ports.
- Ships are required to carry various certificates and documents to demonstrate compliance with MARPOL regulations.
4. Significance and Global Adoption:
- MARPOL is one of the most important international conventions addressing maritime pollution.
- It has been ratified by over 150 countries, representing a significant portion of the global shipping industry.
- The convention
MARPOL, sometimes seen in news is related toa)Pollution through E-Wast...
MARPOL is an IMO’s International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and it has regulations on prevention of pollution by garbage, which prohibits the discharge of plastics (including fishing gear) into the sea from ships.