Cruise Ship Cruise Ship Environmental Compliance and MARPOL 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What international convention governs the prevention of pollution from cruise ships?
- SOLAS 1974
- MARPOL 73/78 (Correct answer)
- ISM Code 1994
- STCW 1978
Correct answer: MARPOL 73/78
MARPOL 73/78 (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) is the primary IMO instrument regulating all forms of operational pollution from vessels including oil, sewage, garbage, and air emissions.
Question 2: Under MARPOL Annex IV, a cruise ship may discharge treated sewage at sea when at least how far from the nearest land?
- 3 nautical miles
- 12 nautical miles (Correct answer)
- 25 nautical miles
- 50 nautical miles
Correct answer: 12 nautical miles
MARPOL Annex IV allows discharge of treated sewage at least 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, while untreated sewage requires being at least 12 nm from shore when comminuted and disinfected.
Question 3: What is the 'Garbage Record Book' used for on a cruise ship?
- Tracking passenger complaints about cabin cleanliness
- Documenting all garbage discharges and disposals at sea or in port (Correct answer)
- Logging galley food inventory
- Recording recycling incentive points
Correct answer: Documenting all garbage discharges and disposals at sea or in port
The Garbage Record Book, required under MARPOL Annex V, documents every garbage discharge, incineration, or delivery to shore reception facilities, including dates, positions, and quantities.
Question 4: In a Special Area under MARPOL Annex V, what is generally prohibited regarding garbage disposal?
- Compacting plastic waste
- All garbage disposal at sea, including food waste in most cases (Correct answer)
- Incinerating garbage on board
- Discharging waste in port
Correct answer: All garbage disposal at sea, including food waste in most cases
In designated Special Areas (such as the Baltic, Mediterranean, and Antarctic), MARPOL Annex V prohibits the disposal of almost all garbage into the sea, including restrictions on food waste within set distances.
Question 5: What type of pollution does MARPOL Annex VI specifically address for cruise ships?
- Oily water discharge
- Air pollution including SOx, NOx, and particulate matter from ship engines (Correct answer)
- Sewage treatment standards
- Ballast water management
Correct answer: Air pollution including SOx, NOx, and particulate matter from ship engines
MARPOL Annex VI regulates air pollution from ships, setting limits on sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, ozone-depleting substances, and requiring the use of low-sulfur fuel in Emission Control Areas.
Question 6: What is the maximum sulfur content in fuel oil allowed for cruise ships operating in a US Emission Control Area (ECA)?
- 3.5% sulfur
- 1.0% sulfur
- 0.10% sulfur (Correct answer)
- 0.50% sulfur
Correct answer: 0.10% sulfur
In designated Emission Control Areas, including the North American ECA, MARPOL Annex VI limits fuel sulfur content to 0.10% (1,000 ppm) to reduce air pollution in coastal regions.
Cruise Ship Cruise Ship Environmental Compliance and MARPOL 1
What international convention governs the prevention of pollution from cruise ships?