Garbage From Vessels

Garbage can be fatal for marine animals and can also be a risk for recreational boaters and the fishing industry. Rope and plastic material may get caught in propeller shafts or block water intakes causing major damage, expensive repairs and loss of income while vessels are repaired.

Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act

Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act), it is an offence to pollute any waters in NSW unless permitted under an environment protection licence issued by the Environment Protection Authority. Garbage from vessels should be stored on board and disposed of responsibly once you are back on shore.

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78) also requires certain vessels to make specific provisions for garbage disposal. The law does permit the disposal of certain types of garbage at sea but there are strict requirements on where and how this can be done. Large vessels with specialised grinding/shredding equipment are able to discharge certain types of garbage when they are beyond a specific distance from land.

Neverthess, all boat operators should be aware of two basic MARPOL principles:

1. No plastics thrown into the sea.
2. No garbage discharged within 12 nautical miles from the nearest land.

Requirement to display a Garbage Disposal Placard

If your vessel is 12 metres or more in length, you are required to display a Garbage Disposal Placard on your vessel where it is visible to crew and passengers.

The recommended wording for the placards can be found on the website of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Requirement to have a Garbage Management Plan

Annex V of MARPOL, also requires certain vessels to develop and follow a Garbage Management Plan and be fitted with the necessary equipment for operating in accordance with the waste management plan. This requirement applies to you if your vessel is certified to carry 15 persons or more, OR is 400 gross tons or more. Guidelines for the development of Garbage Management Plans can be found at the website of the International Maritime Organization.

Requirement to maintain a Garbage Record Book

Vessels over 400 tons will need to enter details of every garbage incineration or disposal in a Garbage Record Book. The record book, and any receipt for using a waste reception facility in port, must be kept for two years and be available for inspection by authorities. Guidelines can be found at the AMSA website.

International Voyages

If you intend taking your vessel on an international voyage additional requirements relating to MARPOL Annex V will apply. For details about these requirements you should refer to the AMSA website.