MARPOL Special Area

A MARPOL special area is a sea area given stricter mandatory discharge controls because of its oceanographic and ecological condition and traffic. Special areas are designated under Annex I (oil), Annex II (the area concept differs), Annex IV (sewage, the Baltic only), and Annex V (garbage), with emission control areas serving the parallel role under Annex VI. Designated Annex I and V special areas include the Mediterranean, Baltic, Black Sea, Red Sea, Gulfs area, North Sea, Antarctic, and Wider Caribbean. Within a special area, most discharges are prohibited outright rather than merely rate-limited, and the change takes effect once adequate reception facilities are confirmed.