MARINE NOTICE 5 / 2011:
Use or carriage of heavy grade oils in the Antarctic area
The purpose of this Marine Notice is to advise of changes to Annex I of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) that will enter into force internationally on 1 August 2011. Annex I of MARPOL contains regulations for the prevention of oil pollution from ships. The aim of the newly adopted regulation is to protect the Antarctic area from pollution by heavy grade oils from ships.
From 1 August 2011, carriage in bulk as cargo or carriage and use as fuel of heavy grade oils by ships will be prohibited in the Antarctic area. The Antarctic area is defined as the sea area south of latitude 60°S.
For the purposes of the new regulation, heavy grade oils are defined as:
- crude oils having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3;
- oils, other than crude oils, having a density at 15°C higher than 900 kg/m3 or a kinematic viscosity at 50°C higher than 180 mm2/s; or
- bitumen, tar and their emulsions.
An exception to this requirement is provided for vessels engaged in securing the safety of ships or in a search and rescue operation.
When prior operations have included the carriage or use of the heavy grade oils listed above, the cleaning or flushing of tanks or pipelines is not required in order to comply.
The Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 will be amended to give effect to the new requirements.
Mick Kinley
A/g Chief Executive Officer
15 March 2011
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181,
Canberra City ACT 2601
File No: 703-03
Internet Address for all current Marine Notices: www.amsa.gov.au