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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: MARPOL Convention
The world's oceans cover more than 70% of our planet. Every day, thousands of ships transport goods, people and resources across these vast waters. But what happens when things go wrong and oil spills into the sea? The MARPOL Convention is the world's answer to this problem.
Key Definitions:
MARPOL was adopted in 1973 but didn't come into force until 1983. It was created in response to major oil tanker accidents in the 1960s and 1970s, including the Torrey Canyon disaster of 1967, when a supertanker spilled 120,000 tonnes of crude oil off the coast of Cornwall, UK.
Before MARPOL, ships could dump oil and other waste directly into the sea with few consequences. Today, MARPOL creates a framework that over 150 countries follow to protect our oceans from shipping pollution. It sets clear rules that ships must follow, no matter where they sail.
MARPOL consists of six technical annexes, each dealing with a different type of pollution from ships. While we'll focus mainly on oil pollution (Annex I), it's important to understand the full scope of the convention:
Oil Pollution
Prevents oil discharge from ships and requires special equipment and procedures.
Noxious Liquid Substances
Controls harmful chemicals transported in bulk.
Harmful Substances in Packages
Sets standards for transport of dangerous goods.
Sewage
Regulates discharge of sewage from ships.
Garbage
Controls disposal of rubbish from ships.
Air Pollution
Limits harmful emissions from ships.
Annex I is the heart of MARPOL's approach to preventing oil pollution. It sets out detailed rules that all ships must follow to prevent oil from entering the sea, both during normal operations and in emergencies.
Under MARPOL Annex I, ships must:
MARPOL designates certain seas as "Special Areas" where stricter rules apply due to their ecological importance or vulnerability. These include the Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Red Sea and Antarctic area. In these areas, discharging any oil or oily mixture is completely prohibited.
Ships are regularly inspected to ensure they comply with MARPOL rules. These inspections can happen at ports (Port State Control) or by the country where the ship is registered (Flag State Control). Ships found breaking the rules can be detained, fined, or even banned from certain ports.
In March 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling about 37,000 tonnes of crude oil. This disaster polluted over 1,300 miles of coastline and killed countless marine animals. The Exxon Valdez spill was a turning point that led to the 1992 amendment to MARPOL requiring all new oil tankers to have double hulls. This case shows why MARPOL's preventative measures are so important - once oil enters the marine environment, the damage can last for decades.
Since MARPOL came into force, there has been a significant reduction in oil pollution from ships. The convention has helped to:
Despite MARPOL's success, challenges remain in managing oil pollution:
While MARPOL focuses on ships and shipping companies, everyone has a role to play in preventing oil pollution:
A single litre of oil can contaminate up to 1 million litres of water! This is why MARPOL's strict rules on preventing even small discharges are so important. The convention recognises that when it comes to oil pollution, prevention is much better than cure. Once oil enters the marine environment, it can harm wildlife, damage ecosystems and affect coastal communities for years to come.
The MARPOL Convention represents one of the most successful international environmental agreements ever created. By setting clear standards for ships worldwide, it has dramatically reduced oil pollution in our oceans. The convention shows how international cooperation can solve global environmental problems.
As you continue your studies in Environmental Management, remember that MARPOL is just one part of a broader effort to protect our oceans. Its success demonstrates that with the right rules, technology and commitment, we can balance human activities like shipping with environmental protection.
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