Guidance

MGN 676 (M) Unmanned non-self-propelled barges – MARPOL Annexes I and IV Exemptions

This MGN provides guidance on the criteria for exempting unmanned non-self-propelled barges from some MARPOL Annex I and IV survey and certification requirements and how to apply.

Documents

Details

This Marine Guidance Note (MGN) provides guidance on amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which contain provisions for qualifying unmanned, non-self-propelled Barges to be exempt from certain survey and certification requirements of Annex I (Oil) and Annex IV (Sewage) of the Convention.

The amendments to the Convention came into force on 1st November 2022 and are implemented in the UK by way of amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/42) (“the 2019 Regulations”) and the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) 2020 (SI 2020/620) (“the 2020 Regulations”). These amendments are made by the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (SI No. 2022/1234) (“the 2022 Regulations”).

Further context, include target audience information from beginning notice:

  • Notice to all owners, operators and charterers of unmanned, non-self-propelled barges, marine surveyors and seafarers involved in the operation of unmanned, non-self-propelled barges

  • This notice should be read with Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution and Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2022

Published 13 February 2023