Information about waste reception facilities in Australian ports can be found in the Port Reception Facilities module of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Global integrated shipping information system (GISIS). A public login to the IMO website is needed to access this system.
We encourage masters, agents, port authorities and waste service providers to send us any corrections or updates to the information in GISIS. If you have corrections or updates, contact us.
Arrangements for the use of port waste reception facilities in Australian ports should be made through the ship's agent and charges may apply to use facilities.
Inadequate facilities
If waste reception facilities in a port are inadequate (for example, facilities are not available or access is exceedingly difficult, resulting in undue delay), the master should communicate all relevant details as soon as possible to the vessel's flag state. If possible, you should also make a report to the authorities of the port state.
Marine Notice 2016/05 tells you how to report alleged inadequacies of port waste reception facilities.
We will consider and investigate reports received from the IMO, the flag state or the master, and inform the reporting flag state and the IMO of the outcome of the investigation.
Cases of alleged inadequacies reported to the IMO and a summary of the port state’s investigation are published in the port reception facilities module of GISIS.
MARPOL compliance in Australia
Ships in Australian ports are subject to inspection for the purpose of enforcing the MARPOL Convention.
Inspectors may ask to see your records of waste disposal. Maintaining these records is required by the ship's MARPOL record books. You may also be asked for receipts for waste disposal which should be obtained from the operator of reception facilities and kept together with the appropriate record book.
Biosecurity
Biosecurity requirements are strictly enforced in Australia.
See Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for Australia’s biosecurity requirements and laws.
Ozone depleting substances
The disposal of ozone depleting substances is regulated in Australia by the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989.
See Department of the Environment and Energy for details.
Guide to good practice for port reception facility providers and users
The IMO has published a guide to good practice for port waste reception facility providers and users.
The guide is intended to be a practical users' guide for ships' crews who seek to deliver MARPOL wastes ashore. It also guides port reception facility providers.
Ships’ crews, agents, port authorities and waste service providers are strongly encouraged to apply best practice as described within the guide whenever possible.