The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) Regulations 2020

[^f00002]: S.I. 1996/282.

[^f00003]: 1995 c. 21; there are amendments to section 128 which are not relevant to these Regulations. Section 306A was inserted by the Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), section 106.

[^f00004]: The consent of the Treasury is required to make these Regulations under section 302(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21).

[^f00005]: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships. See footnote (f) to “the Convention” for further information.

[^f00006]: S.I. 2014/3306.

[^f00007]: The Convention (“MARPOL”), was published in Cmnd. 5748, and amended by the Protocols of 1978 (Cmnd. 7347) and 1997 (Cm. 4427). Hard copies of the Command Papers are available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London SW1A 0PW. The Parliamentary Archives catalogue numbers are as follows: HL/PO/JO/10/11/1853/505 (Cmnd. 5748), HL/PO/JO/10/11/1959/2033 (Cmnd. 7347) and HL/PO/JO/10/11/3156/2285 (Cm. 4427). Annex IV to MARPOL has been amended by a number of IMO Resolutions, most recently by MEPC.284(70). The amendments are available from the IMO at 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR or can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office treaties database (https://treaties.fco.gov.uk/responsive/app/consolidatedSearch/).

[^f00008]: This Convention (“UNCLOS”) was originally published in Cmnd. 8941, and subsequently in Cm. 4524. A hard copy of Cm. 4524 is available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London SW1A 0PW (catalogue number: HL/PO/JO/10/11/3186/287). An electronic copy of Cm. 4524 can be found at https://treaties.fco.gov.uk/awweb/pdfopener?md=1&did=69421. A copy of UNCLOS may be obtained from the United Nations (email doalos@un.org), and at www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf.

[^f00009]: The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, known as “the Polar Code”, was adopted by IMO Resolution MEPC.264(68). IMO Resolution MEPC.265(68) amended MARPOL by incorporating into it the provisions of the Polar Code relating to the prevention of pollution. The amendment came into force on 1st January 2017. The Polar Code (ISBN 978-92-801-16281) is available from IMO Publishing, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, ww.imo.org/publications; email: sales@imo.org; telephone: 0207 735 7611. IMO Resolutions are available from the IMO at 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.

[^f00010]: This Convention (“the London Convention”) was originally published in Cmnd. 5169 and subsequently in Cmnd. 6486. An electronic copy of Cmnd. 6486 can be found at http://foto.archivalware.co.uk/data/Library2/pdf/1976-TS0043.pdf. It was amended by the Protocol of 1996 (Cmnd. 4078 and Cm. 9234). An electronic copy of Cm. 9234 can be found at http://foto.archivalware.co.uk/data/Library2/pdf/2016-TS0021.pdf. Hard copies of the London Convention and Cmnd. 4078 are available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London SW1A 0PW. The Parliamentary Archives catalogue numbers are as follows: HL/PO/JO/10/11/1891/1448 (the London Convention) and HL/PO/JO/10/11/3094BT/3684 (Cmnd. 4078).

[^f00012]: S.I. 2018/1104, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

[^f00013]: The definition of “short voyage” derives from IMO Resolution A.1104(29). Resolutions of the IMO can be obtained from the IMO Library at 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR and from www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/Default.aspx; email: media@imo.org; telephone: 020 7587 3134. They will also be made available via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office treaties database (https://treaties.fco.gov.uk/responsive/app/consolidatedSearch/#home).

[^f00014]: The process for requesting this advice from the Secretary of State can be found in Marine Guidance Note No. 631 (M+F). Copies of MGN 631 (M+F) may be obtained free of charge at www.gov.uk or in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (“MCA”) of Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG.

[^f00015]: Merchant Shipping Notices are published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Copies of MSN No. M.1613 can be obtained free of charge at www.gov.uk.or in hard copy from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (“MCA”) of Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG.

[^f00016]: This Convention (“STCW”) was originally published in Cmnd. 7543 and subsequently in Cmnd 9266. An electronic copy of Cmnd. 9266 can be found at https://treaties.fco.gov.uk/awweb/pdfopener?md=1&did=68238. A hard copy of Cmnd. 9266 is available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London, SW1A 0PW (catalogue number: HL/PO/JO/10/11/2230/2631).

[^f00017]: Section 258 is amended by the Merchant Shipping and Maritime Security Act 1997 (c. 28), Schedule 1, paragraph 4, and Schedule 7, Part 1, and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (c. 9), Schedule 2, Part 1 paragraph 2 and Schedule 10, Part 2.

[^f00018]: Section 284 was amended by the Merchant Shipping and Maritime Security Act 1997 (c. 28), Schedule 1, paragraph 5, and S.I. 2015/664, Schedule 4, Part 1, paragraph 27(1) and (15).

[^f00019]: Section 145 was amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), Schedule 36, Part 2, paragraph 13, and by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), Schedule 11, paragraph 16.

[^f00020]: S.I. 2011/2601, to which there are amendments not relevant to the Regulations.

[^f00021]: OJ No. L 131, 28.05.2009, p. 57.

[^f00022]: Section 143(6) is amended by S.I. 2009/1941, Schedule 1, paragraph 152(1) and (2).

[^f00023]: 2015 c. 26. Section 30(3) was amended by section 19 of the Enterprise Act 2016 (c. 12) and Schedule 8, Prt 2, paragraph 36 to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c.16).

[^f00024]: S.R. 2003/493, amended by S.R. 2017/202; there are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

[^f00025]: S.I. 2020/621.

[^f00026]: S.I. 2005/2055, amended by S.I. 2011/983, 2019/42; there are other amending instruments but none is relevant.

[^f00028]: S.S.I. 2014/324. New paragraph 19 is inserted by S.S.I. 2018/219 and new paragraph 20 is inserted by S.I. 2019/42. There are other amendments to this Schedule but none is relevant.

[^f00029]: S.I. 2018/1104, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

[^f00030]: S.I. 2008/3257. The provisions in relation to the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships are now to be found in the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/621) which come into force simultaneously with these Regulations.

[^f00031]: S.I. 1997/1510, amended by S.I.1998/1916 and 1999/3206. There are other amendments but none is relevant.

[^f00032]: The Tonnage Convention was published in Cmnd. 4332 and subsequently in Cmnd. 8716. An electronic copy of the Tonnage Convention is available via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office treaties database (https://treaties.fco.gov.uk/awweb/pdfopener?md=1&did=68110). A hard copy of Cmnd. 8716 is available for inspection free of charge but by appointment at the Parliamentary Archives, Houses of Parliament, London SW1A 0PW (catalogue number: HL/PO/JO/10/11/2156/147).

[^f00033]: Regulation 12C was inserted by regulation 2(2) of S.I. 1998/1916.

[^f00034]: S.I. 1988/1909, amended by S.I. 1998/1916 and 1999/3206.

Editorial notes

[^key-c77cdfafb58c8fda4e855d85e784548b]: Reg. 1 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-a04eab4a3a782563ee532a1a3a7f06e5]: Reg. 2 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-bba3b81067e8e72ab2c7163ac513ed6a]: Reg. 3 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-a5aa52c0e0e31a363e4726671754f393]: Reg. 4 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-0621df8d5bf4256f87319bb0e2f75baa]: Reg. 5 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-de4bd7796864430f8b094dd3f059bc8e]: Reg. 6 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-5eae4730001c37884522c0ec545eaf68]: Reg. 7 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-e904e9470e487a689a0339d5b4d92838]: Reg. 8 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-0de3ef1fc258837ce4ba51c95523cb16]: Reg. 9 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-37523d0d89df975aa78f61eee2be4386]: Reg. 10 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-e54e3551ef2e8024c4106a979ed21c55]: Reg. 11 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-8b5f11637bb1c31d1f98f52addedf51b]: Reg. 12 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-f3960bf5cb554aa712f144f7ee341423]: Reg. 13 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-a3f413d8ae59bdf9c8bc48549346f6ac]: Reg. 14 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-b2be632916ea8e7793865f12f9f1b8cf]: Reg. 15 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-9170ebabd95476e0ba50b59e01fedcee]: Reg. 16 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-b6d582f0cb5ab7605b0eed442be86fd3]: Reg. 17 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-539616eb8be2dc6bcd1a46b270570c05]: Reg. 18 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-8666aa076c0c34eafecbec4cf7a32631]: Reg. 19 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-71fe4329475c961bebef4ea2ae351541]: Reg. 20 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-5b6a74a9a7266d214a35402f37e0dd32]: Reg. 21 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-c28a2a249572c2cfdbb1003e4fb7e8b9]: Reg. 22 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-cb8e95d9a5a2288a20b74d279d4fc5c6]: Reg. 23 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-d125591ff2ec1193d2f71bd44629ba65]: Reg. 24 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-1955e95f8252e5c3cbd5772e85925e63]: Reg. 25 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-34af551c1e45f8356ff0b57dff959409]: Reg. 26 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-073be4a45f805e563c532d4bf9f4c6ad]: Reg. 27 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-8d7ba4dd29995eee4bacfb0eb7a7176d]: Reg. 28 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-bb17b7628490a1445883d072ca2e89e3]: Reg. 29 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-24b555608fb3d837c7420581148b208c]: Reg. 30 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-c937885178cb8055cb5dd4c8a0155877]: Reg. 31 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-ecd0516f3de75132534a3a27a44a335d]: Reg. 32 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-9ce51a2da655cb215e53e7a5eb3150b3]: Reg. 33 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-b4bba3edb6da4a113d1759062d22376a]: Reg. 34 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-f0d32e0a9e3e1a970b0ebf3e2c218656]: Reg. 35 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-7302f5cb86680a1dbb124f16de82ce9e]: Reg. 36 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-05efcb775af09e2b07defafe235af1ab]: Sch. 1 para. 1 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-b1b17c276aaf6db536a9dd2888fdd6a5]: Sch. 1 para. 2 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-eacfca7fdda48843ce3e537300a758a0]: Sch. 1 para. 4 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-826cc03c87ad2d320df20d53afd8379d]: Sch. 1 para. 5 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-59be1c7dd1554089a4d2b180ddc76031]: Sch. 2 para. 1 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-0105600ad8530b1ea9237c366bc845c2]: Sch. 2 para. 2 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-eb9ea7cdfc4985a86bb7c33b5a7a035d]: Sch. 2 para. 3 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-4bb80aed553d8d820f6dbc5fa56178a8]: Sch. 2 para. 4 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-7efe94fa04dcd3bc6637969dd41edd0b]: Sch. 2 para. 5 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-21c4707531813fea01fdc5e0b10b3209]: Sch. 2 para. 6 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-01d538bc9b379d2403aa3a02730ca84b]: Sch. 2 para. 7 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-11b32f75bb62eabcb07f01bfe7dfca10]: Sch. 2 para. 8 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-440a056a9d68472f029a5143fa826851]: Sch. 2 para. 9 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-b43109658058da61f7cabe69fd26263a]: Sch. 2 para. 10 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-5db6c3160f0bff987bea08327c36750e]: Sch. 1 Pt. 2 in force at 22.7.2020, see reg. 1(2)

[^key-76789eca770e1dbf85a80109e09fdbf3]: Reg. 6A inserted (27.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1234), regs. 1(1), 3(3)

[^key-bfafa165598fdaaf3d82a091b44eb700]: Words in reg. 3(1) omitted (27.12.2022) by virtue of The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1234), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(a)

[^key-1af9f2969651aa2661f42e1ccaf9d419]: Words in reg. 3(1) substituted (27.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1234), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(b)

[^key-2302ef18bc68a752f770fda8a673ab8a]: Words in reg. 18(5) substituted (27.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1234), regs. 1(1), 3(4)

[^key-76eb2a49b771c321d2ed5c5955392f8d]: Words in reg. 19(2) substituted (27.12.2022) by The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1234), regs. 1(1), 3(5)

[^key-043f35a123402dc0de9fd8e31e74ef3a]: Regulations extended (with modifications) (16.10.2025) by S.I. 1989/1350, art. 3 (as amended by The Hovercraft (Application of Enactments) (Amendment) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/1094), arts. 1(2), 2(3)(e)(f))

[^key-3ff0e7d06d741cb1682cbe7bead530cf]: Sch. 1 para. 3 revoked (S.) (1.11.2025) by The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/165), reg. 1(2), sch. 21 para. 2 (with sch. 23)

[^key-7d0429fa44172e325928dc05c040f6aa]: Word in reg. 8(3)(a) substituted (5.1.2026) by The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/1280), reg. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 14 (with reg. 3)

Exemption for UNSP barges

6A

• (1) The Secretary of State may exempt a UNSP barge from the requirements of regulation 11 (prohibition on United Kingdom ships proceeding to sea without a Sewage Certificate), regulation 13 (surveys of United Kingdom ships) or regulation 14 (issue of Sewage Certificates by a Certifying Authority in respect of United Kingdom ships) for a period not exceeding five years provided that the barge has undergone a survey to confirm that—

• (a) it is not propelled by mechanical means;

• (b) has neither persons nor living animals on board;

• (c) is not used for holding sewage during transport; and

• (d) has no arrangements that could produce sewage.

• (2) An exemption granted under paragraph (1) may, on the giving of reasonable notice, be altered or cancelled.

• (3) An exemption granted under paragraph (1), or an alteration or cancellation under paragraph (2), must be in writing.

• (4) Where an exemption is granted under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State must issue a UNSP Exemption Certificate.

• (5) Where an exemption is altered or cancelled under paragraph (2), the Secretary of State must indicate this on the UNSP Exemption Certificate.

• (6) The Secretary of State may, at the request of another Contracting State—

• (a) survey a UNSP barge entitled to fly the flag of that State for the purpose of issuing an exemption from the requirements of regulation 12 (prohibition on non-United Kingdom ships proceeding to sea without a Sewage Certificate or appropriate documentation) in respect of that ship; and

• (b) if satisfied that the ship meets the requirements for that exemption, grant the exemption and issue a UNSP Exemption Certificate in respect of that ship.

• (7) A UNSP Exemption Certificate issued under paragraph (6) must include a statement to the effect that it has been issued at the request of the relevant Contracting State.

• (8) The Secretary of State must, as soon as possible after issuing a UNSP Exemption Certificate under paragraph (6), send to the Contracting State who made the request, a copy of—

• (a) the exemption granted under paragraph (6);

• (b) the UNSP Exemption Certificate so issued; and

• (c) the corresponding survey report.

• (9) In this regulation—

• “UNSP barge” means an unmanned non-self-propelled barge that—is not propelled by mechanical means;has neither persons nor living animals on board;is not used for holding sewage during transport; andhas no arrangements that could produce sewage; and

• “UNSP Exemption Certificate” means the certificate described as “International Sewage Pollution Prevention Exemption Certificate for Unmanned Non-self-propelled (UNSP) Barges” in appendix II to Annex IV.