MARPOL Annex V

MARPOL Annex V prevents pollution by garbage from ships, applying a general prohibition on discharging garbage into the sea with narrow exceptions. Food waste may be discharged beyond set distances from land, and cargo residues not harmful to the marine environment under defined conditions; all plastics are banned from discharge anywhere. Ships of 100 GT and above, or certified to carry 15 or more persons, keep a garbage management plan and a garbage record book. Special areas impose stricter limits. The Annex was overhauled by MEPC.201(62), in force 1 January 2013.