What is MARPOL Annex V and what is its scope regarding shipboard waste?

• A. It regulates ballast water management.
• B. It regulates the disposal of garbage from ships, including plastics, domestic waste, cargo residues, and other wastes.
• C. It regulates the discharge of oily bilge water.
• D. It regulates air emissions from vessels.

Answer: (B)

MARPOL Annex V governs how shipboard garbage is managed and disposed. It covers the disposal of garbage from ships, including plastics, domestic waste, cargo residues, and other wastes produced on board. Plastics are prohibited from being discharged anywhere at sea, and other garbage can be disposed of at sea only under strict conditions (typically requiring adequate separation, processing, and a suitable distance from land) or stored for disposal at port reception facilities. To enforce these rules, ships must carry a Garbage Management Plan and maintain a Garbage Record Book, with waste segregated and securely stored to minimize pollution. This topic is distinct from ballast water management, oily bilge water discharge, and air emissions, which are regulated by other MARPOL areas.