Coast Guard Issued Interim Policy Guidance for Implementing Vessel Garbage Disposal Changes

On February 26, 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard issued interim policy guidance for the implementation of new MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Annex V garbage disposal requirements that went into effect on January 1, 2013. Prior to January 1, garbage discharges were generally allowed into the high seas unless specifically prohibited. The new requirements establish a general prohibition on discharges of garbage into the high seas unless specifically permitted, such as for the discharge of food wastes, cargo residues and cleaning agents. To account for the change, the format and contents of the garbage record book have been altered requiring more detailed entries. Additionally, the amended MARPOL Annex V now requires vessels of 100 gross tons and more (or carrying 15 persons or more) to carry a garbage management plan, a reduction from the prior 400 gross tons requirement. Under the amendments, vessels 12 meters or more in length and fixed and floating platforms must display placards notifying the crew and passengers of the MARPOL Annex V requirements. The Coast Guard's interim guidance CG-CVC Policy Letter 13-01 is intended to assist vessels (and certain fixed and floating platforms) in complying with the January 1, 2013 requirements, which apply to U.S. flagged vessels operating domestically and internationally and foreign-flagged vessels while in U.S. waters.