📘 MARPOL Annex III – Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances in Packaged Form

Objective:

MARPOL Annex III aims to prevent marine pollution caused by harmful substances that are carried in packaged form aboard ships. Unlike Annexes I and II, which deal with liquids in bulk, Annex III covers substances that are transported as cargo in packages, such as containers, drums, or tanks.

Scope of Application:

• Applies to all ships carrying harmful substances in packaged form.
• Also applies to port terminals and handling operations.
• Focuses on prevention through proper packaging, marking, documentation, and handling.

What Are “Harmful Substances”?

A harmful substance under Annex III is:

“a substance which is identified as a marine pollutant in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code or which meets the criteria for inclusion.”

These may include:

• Toxic chemicals
• Corrosive substances
• Flammable liquids and solids
• Environmentally hazardous substances (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals)

Key Requirements and Measures:

📦 Packaging and Containment

• Substances must be properly packaged to prevent leaks or spills during normal transport conditions.
• Packaging must comply with standards from the IMDG Code.

🏷️ Labeling and Marking

• Each package must be clearly marked with the proper shipping name, marine pollutant symbol, and UN number.
• Placards and hazard labels must be visible and durable.

📘 Documentation

• A detailed cargo manifest must be carried on board, listing all harmful substances.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be available for emergency reference.
• The location of harmful substances must be clearly indicated on the stowage plan.

⚠️ Handling and Stowage

• Substances must be stowed and secured according to the IMDG Code to prevent movement or damage.
• Incompatible substances must be separated.
• Special attention is required in loading/unloading operations to avoid accidental releases.

Port Reception and Incident Response

• While Annex III doesn’t require reception facilities like Annexes I and II, it does emphasize:
  • Accident prevention
  • Emergency procedures in case of spills
  • Notification requirements for port and environmental authorities

Enforcement and Compliance:

• Compliance is enforced through flag state control, port state control, and inspections.
• Violations (e.g. mislabeling, damaged packaging) can lead to fines, detentions, or legal actions.
• Ships must follow both MARPOL Annex III and the IMDG Code, which is mandatory under SOLAS.

✅ Summary:

MARPOL Annex III helps protect the marine environment by ensuring that harmful substances in packages are:

• Properly packaged and labeled
• Clearly documented
• Handled with care
• Transported under strict safety guidelines

Together with the IMDG Code, it forms a critical framework for preventing accidental pollution during the global movement of hazardous goods by sea.