Implementation of Revised Annex IV of MARPOL

The Annex IV of MARPOL, relating to prevention of pollution by sewage from ships, comes into effect on September 27, 2003. There is some confusion, though, over the application of Annex IV. This confusion largely is the result of revision to Annex IV that was adopted on March 13, 2000, but doesn’t come into effect until immediately after the older version of Annex IV comes into effect. Thus, it is the revision that owners and operators will have to implement, not the original version of the Annex. The major difference between the original and the revised versions relates to application. Under the original version, the Annex applies to new ships of 200 gross tonnage and above and new ships of less than 200 gross tonnage that are certificated to carry more than 10 persons. In the revised Annex, it applies to new ships of 400 gross tonnage and above and new ships of less than 400 gross tonnage that are certificated to carry more than 15 persons. The original version applied to existing ships (at the respective tonnage and capacity levels) ten (10) years after entry into force of the Annex. The revised version applies to existing ships (at the 400 gross tonnage and 15 person capacity levels) five (5) years after entry into force of the Annex. See Resolution MEPC.88(44) and Revised Annex IV, found at pages 458-474 in the Consolidated 2002 Edition of MARPOL 73/78. You can’t tell what plays are being called without a current program. Source: HK Law