Summary of the IMO MEPC 38th Session

Air Pollution
New Annex VI to MARPOL 73/78
Designation of SOX Emission Control Areas
Global Sulphur Cap of fuel Oil Bunker Delivery Notes
NOX Emission Requirements
Ozone Depleting Substances

Operations and Maintenance - All Ships
Ship Board Emergency Plans
Anti-fouling Paints
Ballast Water Management
Garbage Management Plan

Carriage Of Chemicals And NLS
Amendments to the IBC Code
Revised Application of MARPOL Annex II
Reporting of Oil and NLS Discharges

Double Hull Tankers
Minimum Required Ballast
Application of Double Hull Requirements

The 38th Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) met from 1 to 10 July 1996 in London. This Session was extended by three days to allow for adequate time to complete the technical discussion and propose amendments to MARPOL with regard to air pollution from ships with the view that a diplomatic conference could be held at the next Session of MEPC in March 1997. The Committee also noted the completion of the Convention on the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) at Sea, which will be open for signature from 1 October 1996 to 1 October 1997, recognizing MEPC’s present efforts to incorporate HNS into the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) 1990. The following summarizes matters pertinent to the shipping community with respect to regulation that is soon to be in force or near to closure.