Republic of the marshall islands
Biodegradable Materials Discharge
Download 252.3 Kb. View original pdf
|
- Navigate this page:
- Rev. Jul 10 of 16 MN 2-013-5
| 6.0 Biodegradable Materials Discharge 6.1 Biodegradable products are an often used as replacement for plastics and help eliminate or reduce packaging materials, especially aboard ship. However, because a product is labeled as biodegradable, it does not mean that it is safe A cleaning agent or additive is considered not HME if it is not a harmful substance in accordance with the criteria in MARPOL Annex III and it does not contain any components which are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR). Rev. Jul 10 of 16 MN 2-013-5 Republic of the Marshall Islands for the environment or able to be disposed of at sea under MARPOL Annex V. This is because biodegradable products are often treated to enhance moisture resistance. 6.2 For example, wet strength papers are impregnated with cross-linked polymers, and polymer-coated papers are classified as plastics under MARPOL Annex V. In addition, not enough is known about biodegradable materials and their impacts on the environment. IMO Resolution MEPC. 295(71) §2.1.4 encourages research and development in this area. 6.3 If a product, regardless of its labeling as biodegradable, is composed of a material that is not permitted to be discharged under MARPOL Annex V, then it must be disposed of at a port reception facility. For example, biodegradable paper bags are made of paper, a product that is not permitted to be discharged at sea and thus needs to be disposed of ashore. owners and operators are to contact the Administrator for guidance should there be any questions on materials allowed to be discharged. 7.0 Animal Carcasses 7.1 Animal carcass discharge is permitted only outside Special Areas and must occur as far as possible from the nearest land. .1 These discharges are to take place greater than 100 nm from the nearest land in the maximum water depth. .2 Carcass discharge may take place provided the ship’s Master determines that retaining them on board constitutes a threat to human health and safety when the ship’s position is a) less than 100 nm; but b) greater than 12 nm from the nearest land. 7.2 Animal carcasses resulting from mortalities more than those generated during the normal operation of a ship are not considered garbage in MARPOL Annex V. .1 In such cases, Masters must contact the Administrator and, where appropriate, port and/or coastal States) for guidance. .2 See also IMO Circular MEPC.1/Circ.809 , Revised Guidance on Managing Spoilt Cargoes, for further information, including guidance on the applicability of either MARPOL Annex V or the London Convention/London Protocol addressing dumping at sea. 7.3 Animal carcass discharge is not permitted in Polar Waters. |