MARPOL

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the 1978 and 1997 Protocols, is the principal IMO treaty on operational and accidental pollution from ships. It works through six annexes covering oil, noxious liquid substances in bulk, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, garbage, and air pollution. Annexes I and II entered into force on 2 October 1983 and are mandatory; Annexes III to VI bind the parties that accept them.