MARPOL

The IMO developed one of the most influential marine environmental conventions, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, in 1973. This was then modified by the Protocol of 1978 and is referred to as MARPOL (short for "maritime pollution"). This convention is referenced throughout the Polar Code. MARPOL is broken out into six categories, known as Annexes. They are as follows:

1. Annex I - Prevention of pollution by oil and oily water
2. Annex II - Control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk
3. Annex III - Prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form
4. Annex IV - Prevention of pollution by sewage from ships
5. Annex V - Prevention of pollution by garbage from ships
6. Annex VI - Prevention of air pollution from ships

The purpose of this convention is to eliminate pollution by oil and any other substances that might be harmful to the marine environment, as well as to minimize the potential for spillage accidents.

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