Philippine E-Journals

Air Polluton: Its Importance In MARPOL Annexes

Enrique P. Java | Isidro Yongque | Teresita A. Cruz

Discipline: Earth Science

 

Abstract:

This study attempted to find out the importance of including air pollution in MARPOL Annexes which engendered the researchers to seek the possible reasons why it was being implemented. Due to rapid changes in our environment, at the 57th session of the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC 57), held in London (31 March – 4 April 2008), outline agreement was reached for a package of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI or Prevention of Air Pollution in the ship. Subject to formal adoption at MEPC 58 in October 2008, these revisions entered into force through the tacit amendment procedure in February 2010. The MARPOL Annex VI covers the prevention of harmful gasses such as (sulfur oxide SO2, nitrogen oxide NO2, ozone-depleting substance ODS and volatile organic compound VOC) emitted from the ship’s operation or sometimes accidents. These gasses were commonly emitted from the ship’s exhaust and can be discharged to the landmass by means of acid rain. This paper highlights the importance of MARPOL Annex VI to the environment. It evidently helps to lessen the air pollution and sudden changing of climate. The seafarers’ compliance to these regulations were also assessed.