The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) has undergone revisions leading to cargo information requiring information regarding its HME (harmful to the marine environment) status.
The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 69th session made the decision to decline the proposal for extending the “Adequate port reception facilities for cargoes declared as harmful to the marine environment under MARPOL Annex V”. In light of this, cargo hold washwater from holds previously containing solid bulk cargoes classified as HME must only be discharged at port State reception facilities, and cargo hold washwater from holds previously containing solid bulk cargoes that were not classified as HME are encouraged to discharge them at an adequate port State reception facility.
However, until January 1, 2017, discharge is permitted 12 or more nautical miles from the nearest land and en-route for ships outside of special areas. For ships within special areas, discharge is only permitted in specific circumstances 12 or more nautical miles from the nearest land, and en-route.
Specific Circumstances according to MARPOL Regulation V/6.1.2 include if both the port of departure and the next port of destination are within the special area and the ship will not transit outside the special area between these ports, and if no adequate reception facilities are available at those ports.
In order for ship managers to be in line with Garbage Disposal requirements, they should have an updated Garbage Management Plan and Record Book on-board managed ships. Special onboard training sessions to familiarise crew with updated requirements should also be carried out.
In case managed vessels face difficulties with Port Reception Facilities, Masters should forward relevant report information with any supporting documentation to the Administration of the flag State and, if possible, to the competent Authorities in the port State.
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