Consultation on reducing marine debris from ships
Views sought on new rules aimed at reducing illegal discharge of garbage into our seas.
Shipowners and operators are being encouraged to have their say on laws designed to further support the United Kingdom in its work to keep its seas clean by making it compulsory for certain types of UK-registered ships to carry records of their garbage handling operations.
There are already provisions in UK law based on the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (known as MARPOL) to restrict what can be discharged into the sea by ships.
The proposed requirements expand that existing law to require every ship of 100 GT (Gross Tonnage) and above and those that carry 15 or more people on international voyages. They would be required to carry a Garbage Record Book to allow a check on disposals.
The amendments are being made to help UK authorities further in their ongoing enforcement work against those breaking the rules.
Find out more about the Maritime and Coastguard Agency consultation and how to respond.
The consultation will remain open until Monday 13 November 2023.
First published 23 October 2023