MARPOL
MARPOL (Marine Pollution Prevention) is the international convention regulating discharge of food waste, oily water, sewage and garbage from vessels into the marine environment.
What is MARPOL?
MARPOL — the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships — is the principal international treaty governing marine pollution from vessels. Adopted by the IMO in 1973, MARPOL covers oil, noxious substances, harmful packaged substances, sewage, garbage and air pollution.
Galley Implications
For superyacht galley operations, Annex V (Garbage) and Annex IV (Sewage) are most relevant:
- Annex V — prohibits discharge of all food waste within 12 nautical miles of land. In special areas (Mediterranean, Baltic, Black Sea, Red Sea), restrictions are stricter. Food waste must be retained for port disposal.
- Annex IV — regulates galley wastewater discharge. Untreated sewage and food preparation waste must be retained for port disposal.
MARPOL compliance requires a garbage management plan aboard all commercial vessels. The galley team is responsible for segregating waste, maintaining galley waste logs and ensuring food waste is not discharged within restricted zones.
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This definition was written by Abraham Stones, drawing on 20+ years of superyacht galley design, specification and procurement experience.
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