The MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships has been ratified and will enter into force on 19 May 2005. The regulations includes many new aspects related to design of ships, but even more related to operational issues.

The MARPOL Annex VI regulations will apply to all ships, fixed and floating drilling rigs and other platforms from 19 May 2005, but the certification requirements are depending on size of the vessel and time of periodical survey.

Ships of 400 gross tons and above engaged in international voyages involving countries that have ratified the conventions, or ships flying the flag of those countries, are required to have an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP Certificate).

This certificate must be on board at delivery for a ship constructed (keel laid) after 19 May 2005.

For ships constructed before this date, the IAPP certificate must be on board at the first scheduled dry-docking after 19 May 2005, but not later than 19 May 2008.

DNV has made a paper in order to highlight some of the most important aspects of MARPOL Annex VI for the guidance of ship owners and managers, as well as DNV surveyors. You can download the paper by clicking the link in the left column, under "downloads." (PDF format)