Regulation 17 of MARPOL Annex II mandates that all ships of 150 gross tonnage and above carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk must carry an approved Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan for Noxious Liquid Substances (SMPEP).
This regulation is crucial for preventing and mitigating pollution incidents involving noxious liquid substances (NLS) carried as cargo. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Key Aspects of Regulation 17
- Applicability: Applies to ships of 150 gross tonnage and above carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk. This broad coverage ensures a significant portion of the global tanker fleet is prepared for NLS pollution incidents.
- Requirement for SMPEP: Ships falling under this regulation must have an approved Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP) specifically addressing noxious liquid substances. The SMPEP details procedures for reporting and responding to incidents involving the discharge, or probable discharge, of NLS.
- Purpose of SMPEP: The primary purpose of the SMPEP is to provide guidance to the master and crew on the steps to take when an NLS pollution incident occurs. This includes:
- Reporting requirements to coastal states.
- Actions to minimize the impact of a spill.
- Procedures for coordinating with national and local authorities.
- Content of SMPEP: A comprehensive SMPEP should include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Detailed reporting procedures.
- A list of authorities or persons to be contacted in the event of a pollution incident.
- A detailed description of the action to be taken by persons on board to minimize or prevent a discharge following the incident.
- Procedures and point of contact on the ship for coordinating shipboard activities with national and local authorities in combating the pollution.
- The plan must be in the working language of the master and officers.
Importance of Regulation 17
Regulation 17 is vital because:
- Protecting Marine Environment: NLS can be highly damaging to marine ecosystems. The SMPEP ensures swift and effective response, reducing the extent of pollution and its impact.
- Ensuring Compliance: It enforces international standards for pollution prevention, promoting responsible maritime practices.
- Facilitating Cooperation: It establishes clear reporting and communication channels between ships, coastal states, and relevant authorities.
- Enhancing Preparedness: By requiring a detailed emergency plan, ships are better prepared to handle pollution incidents, minimizing potential damage and associated costs.
In conclusion, Regulation 17 of MARPOL Annex II is a vital international regulation requiring ships carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk to have an approved SMPEP to mitigate and prevent pollution incidents, ultimately protecting the marine environment.
