Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78, the Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships, requires all ships of 400grt or above, and platforms and drilling rigs engaged in voyages, to obtain an International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate.

The Annex will enter into force on 19 May 2005 and will have an immediate effect on ships constructed (keel laid) on or after that date. Ships constructed (keel laid) before 19 May 2005 will be required to comply with Annex VI on the first scheduled dry-docking after the date of entry into force, but in no case later than 19 May 2008.

Following an initial survey carried out by the Flag Administration or a recognised organisation, such as Det Norske Veritas, on its behalf, an IAPP Certificate will be issued to the ship once compliance has been confirmed. For Flag Administrations that have not ratified the convention, a Certificate of Compliance may be issued.

Annex VI also requires diesel engines to carry individual certificates with regard to NOx emissions. These will be designated Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) certificates.

Ozone
New installations which contain ozone-depleting substances are prohibited on all ships after the entry into force date, except new installations containing hydrochlorflourocarbons (HCFCs), which will be permitted until 1 January 2020.
The use of Halons in fire-extinguishing systems and other equipment is already prohibited for newbuildings, so in Annex IV this requirement will already be complied with.

Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
This regulation applies to each diesel engine with a power output of more that 130kW which is installed on a ship constructed on or after 1 January 2000, and each diesel engine with a power output of more that 130 kW which undergoes a major conversion on or after that date. However, the regulation does not apply to emergency diesel engines, engines installed in lifeboats or from any equipment intended to be used solely in case of emergency.

If the engines are required to carry an EIAPP Certificate, but for some reason this has not been provided, DNV advises that the engine manufactures are contacted for further assistance.

Sulphur Oxide (SOx)
The sulphur content of any fuel oil used onboard ships is not to exceed 4.5% m/m. And for those ships operating within SOx Emission Control Areas (SECA) the sulphur content is not to exceed 1.5 m/m. So far only the Baltic Sea is defined as a SECA, although the North Sea is in the process of being included (expected 2007), and other areas will also be added.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from tankers may, by individual Parties to Annex VI, be regulated in ports and terminals. All tankers that are subject to vapour emission shall be provided with an approved vapour-collection system, and shall use such system during the loading of such cargoes.

Shipboard waste
Incinerators installed onboard ship after 1 January 2000 must be type approved, although those systems installed before need not to be type approved according to Resolution MEPC 76(40) and may be used except for incineration of PVC. Any use of non-type approved incinerators installed after this date is prohibited.

The onboard burning of waste outside an incinerator is prohibited except sewage sludge and sludge oil from separators which may be incinerated in auxiliary power plants and boilers when the ship is not in a port, harbour or estuary.

Incineration of Annex I, II and III cargo residues, or PCBs, or garbage containing more than traces of heavy metals and of refined petroleum products containing halogen compounds is always prohibited.

Fuel oil quality
Details of fuel oil for combustion purposes delivered to and used onboard shall be recorded by means of bunker delivery notes. The bunker delivery notes shall be retained onboard for a period of three years after the fuel oil has been delivered.

At each bunkering, a representative sample of the fuel oil delivered shall be sealed and signed by the supplier's representative and the master or officer in charge, on completion of bunkering operations, and retained by the ship's owner under the ship's control until the fuel oil is substantially consumed; and minimum twelve months from delivery.

DNV Class Services
Det Norske Veritas may carry out the surveys for both the IAPP and EIAPP Certification, and has been authorised to issue relevant certificates on behalf of many Flag Administrations. A more detailed information letter has already been sent to shipowners worldwide.