Which Annex of MARPOL governs sewage discharges from ships?

The governing body of regulations for sewage discharges from ships is Annex IV of MARPOL. This annex specifically addresses the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships and includes requirements regarding sewage treatment plants and discharge standards. It establishes how sewage should be managed to minimize its impact on the marine environment, detailing the conditions under which sewage can be discharged, depending on the ship's location relative to land and the type of treatment that has been applied to the sewage.

Other Annexes pertain to different types of pollution: Annex I focuses on oil, Annex II addresses noxious liquid substances, and Annex V pertains to garbage. Understanding the specific focus of each annex is crucial for compliance and operational safety aboard vessels, especially when navigating through sensitive marine areas.