Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection
Core concepts
Know MARPOL Annexes I–VI, the Oil Record Book, garbage record book, sewage and air pollution requirements, sulphur cap, EEDI/EEXI and CII, ballast water management, and the Oily Water Separator (15 ppm) requirements. Understand the special areas, discharge criteria, and the role of the pollution prevention officer. Know bunkering procedures and the sulphur content limits.
Traps
- Confusing Annex I (oil) with Annex II (noxious liquid substances) and Annex IV (sewage).
- Forgetting that the 15 ppm alarm must stop discharge automatically.
- Assuming garbage can be discharged anywhere; special areas have stricter rules.
- Overlooking that the Oil Record Book entries must be signed by the officer in charge and the master.
- Mixing up EEXI (design) with CII (operational carbon intensity rating).
Worked example / rule of thumb
Rule of thumb: outside special areas, machinery space bilge water may be discharged through the 15 ppm equipment when the ship is en route, not in port or special areas. Bunkering requires a pre-transfer checklist, communications, and sampling. Record every transfer in the Oil Record Book.