Dated 16.10.2008

 Subject: MARPOL, 73/78 Annex-IV (Regulation for the Prevention of Pollution by
             Sewage from Ships)-Application deadline for existing coastal ships.

          This is to bring to the notice of all concerned that the provisions of Annex-IV of MARPOL, 73/78, as amended, has entered into force on 27^th September, 2003. However, existing ships of 400 Gross Tonnage and above or of less than 400 Gross Tonnage but which are certified to carry more than 15 persons, constructed before 27^th September 2003, were allowed a period of five years from 27^th September, 2003 to comply with the requirements of Annex - IV of MARPOL, 73/78.

2.         Accordingly, the requirement for compliance with the provisions of Annex-IV of MARPOL 73/78, for these ships, has become mandatory from 27^th September 2008. Consequently, as from 27^th September 2008, every ship under Indian Flag, which is required to comply with the provisions of Annex-IV was required to be surveyed and certified for compliance with all applicable regulations. Also, from that day, Foreign Vessels are required to comply with the provisions of this Annex whenever calling at Indian Ports. Thus, the compliance with the provisions of Annex-IV of MARPOL, 73/78 for all the applicable ships has become mandatory since 27^th September, 2008.

3.         In the recent past, much before 27^th September, 2008 the draft Rules for prevention of Pollution by Sewage from ships under Annex-IV were hoisted on the DGS website for comments from all concerned. After receipt of comments from various stakeholders, the draft rules were finalized and now are in an advanced stage of notification. It is alarming to note that the compliance with enforceable regulations have not yet been in place to prohibit the discharge of sewage by some of the vessels exclusively engaged in India coastal waters.

4.         Considering, that some ship owners/companies operating ships exclusively in Indian coast (which are of 400 Gross Tonnage and above or of less than 400 Gross Tonnage but are certified to carry more than 15 persons) are yet to be certified for the compliance with the provisions of Annex-IV of MARPOL 73/78, the Directorate, hereby, grant three months time to such vessels to comply with the provisions of Annex-IV of MARPOL 73/78 from the date of issue of this circular. All such ship owners/companies and the shipping community is requested to take immediate action for compliance with the provisions of Annex-IV.

5.         Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to Shri S. Barik, Engineer & Ships Surveyor, of the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai (e-mail address sbarik@dgshipping.com).

6.         This issues with the approval of the Director General of Shipping.

      Sd/-
(D. Mehrotra)
Dy. Chief Surveyor cum Sr. DDG(Tech)

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