Background and context of the regional workshop

In the wake of the activation of the declaration of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Areas as special areas during the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC80), held at IMO Headquarters 3-7 July 2023, during which it was decided that from January 1st of 2025, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden will be categorized as an effective Special Areas under MARPOL Annexes I and V, it has been identified the need to increase the preparedness of Member States with a view to fulfil their treaty obligations on providing adequate reception Facilities, as well as the responsibilities of both the flag and port State. In addition, IMO has recognized that the provision of reception facilities is essential for the effective implementation of MARPOL to combat intentional pollution in the marine environment. Under the Convention, the special areas are provided with a higher level of protection than other areas of the sea.

Ratification/Accession, implementation and enforcement of MARPOL Convention is the most important vehicle available for achieving a better marine environment and avoiding the threat of marine pollution from ships.  It is therefore critical that all States ratify or accede to, and implement, MARPOL according to their capacity.

MARPOL Convention requires the government of each party to the Convention to ensure that ship generated waste reception facilities are provided and adequate in those ports where ships need to discharge waste material, as described in each Annex. The lack of reception facilities is one of the main barriers to ratification of or accession to MARPOL.  The Convention also calls on contracting States to put into effect appropriate port State control and inspection and control measures to enforce Marpol compliance.

Introduction

In this context, the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea & Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) aims to enhance the technical capabilities of its Member States by providing training to their Maritime and Environmental Administrations. The goal is to empower all Member States to effectively prevent marine pollution from ships and to sustainably conserve their marine resources, thereby improving the livelihoods of their coastal communities.

The mission involved organizing a regional workshop on MARPOL and the designation of special areas in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, under the auspices of PERSGA. The training course took place at PERSGA’s headquarters during the period from the 08 until 10 January 2024. The language of the training was a mix of English and Arabic. The training was carried out by two international maritime consultants with recognized professional background and a broad experience in IMO international maritime conventions. They were assisted by PERSGA Experts. The training course was based on relevant IMO guidelines and model courses.

The training course was inaugurated by PERSGA Secretary-General, who welcomed the participants in his opening address and stressed the importance of the landmark decision by MEPC to designate the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as Special Areas under MARPOL Annexes I and V, effective from January 1, 2025. He pointed out that this decision marks an important moment in the collective journey towards sustainable maritime practices and environmental stewardship. He also stressed the importance of carrying out Port state control inspections in an efficient manner so that the IMO conventions including MARPOL and the national regulations are stringently being enforced and implemented. He stressed that the IMO has strongly recognized , beside of the primary flag state responsibility, that the exercise of the port state right to carry out Port state control (PSC) makes an important contribution to ensuring that global maritime standards are being implemented fully and consistently on ships of varying nationalities. He also underlined that PSC provides a “safety net” to catch substandard ships and invited the participants to greatly benefit from this training course, and reinforce their understanding on PSC regime.

The primary objective of this regional training was to offer comprehensive information and guidance concerning the Member State’s responsibilities and duties in preparation for the forthcoming entry into force, scheduled for January 1, 2025. This pertains specifically to the designation of special areas in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as outlined in MARPOL Annexes I and V. In addition, the training aimed to harmonize the implementation and application of the MARPOL Convention, with the following key objectives:

• foster cooperation among PERSGA Member countries, with the support of PERSGA, in order to implement and enforce MARPOL effectively
  • discuss MARPOL convention regulations and requirements of annex I, V related to special areas discharge provisions;
  • ensure that PERSGA Member States have the adequate and functional oil reception facilities;
  • discuss on good practices and guidelines on how to improve port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues;
  •  collect updated information from national representatives regarding their countries’ positions on the implementation of the MARPOL Convention.”

The training also placed strong emphasis on the importance of establishing domestic enabling legislation, including the creation of necessary orders and regulations for incident reporting. Participants will be advised on the potential necessity of legislation to ensure the provision of reception facilities. Additionally, the training covered the legal aspects of enforcement and underscore the importance of implementing legally enforceable sanctions.

The Workshop was attended by about 20 government technical officials primarily from the Maritime Administration of each PERSGA country, also including personnel from the Environmental Agencies, Port Authorities and Port State Control Officers who are authorized or to be authorized by their relevant Governments to execute port State control on foreign vessels in accordance with the relevant provisions of the MARPOL Annexes and related instruments.

The advantages of having an effective Special Areas under MARPOL Annexes I and V were emphasized and are as follows:

1. Commitment to Environmental Protection (MARPOL Annex I):
   • Enhanced Oil Pollution Control: The implementation of stricter controls on oil discharge as per Annex I is a significant step in protecting our marine ecosystems from oil pollution. This initiative is particularly crucial for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, regions rich in biodiversity and delicate coral ecosystems. Reducing oil pollution not only preserves marine life but also prevents damage to coral reefs, crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
   • Economic Implications: The clean seas will bolster the maritime and coastal tourism sectors. Pristine beaches and healthy marine life are major attractions for tourists, which can lead to increased revenue and job creation in tourism and related sectors.
2. Advancing Marine Conservation (MARPOL Annex V):
   • Comprehensive Garbage Management: The stringent regulations on garbage disposal under Annex V are aimed at drastically reducing marine litter. These rules encompass various types of waste, including plastics, which pose a significant threat to marine life.
   • Impact on Fisheries and Marine Life: A cleaner marine environment supports a thriving biodiversity. This is crucial for the health of the fisheries industry. Reducing marine litter not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our waters but also ensures the survival of diverse marine species, some of which are integral to the commercial fishing industry.
3. Essential Port Reception Facilities:
   • Adequate port reception facilities A critical aspect of enforcing the Annexes’ regulations is the provision of adequate port reception facilities. Member states are obliged to establish and maintain these facilities to manage waste from ships effectively.
   • IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) : It is imperative that these facilities are not only available but are also well-maintained and regularly updated in the IMO’s GISIS. This will ensure compliance and facilitate the smooth operation of maritime activities.
4. Boosting Sustainable Economic Activities:
   • Eco-Tourism Opportunities: The improved environmental standards open up opportunities for eco-tourism, a rapidly growing sector globally. Tourists are increasingly seeking destinations that prioritize environmental conservation, and our region can become a prime location for such sustainable tourism.
   • Sustainable Fisheries and Local Economies: Ensuring a pollution-free marine environment is vital for sustainable fisheries. This not only helps in maintaining the ecological balance but also supports the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing, ensuring long-term economic sustainability.
5. Enhancing Regional Cooperation:
   • Collaborative Efforts for Environmental Conservation: This initiative showcases the power of collective action in environmental conservation. By working together, member states can share best practices, resources, and knowledge, creating a robust framework for environmental protection.
   • Economic Integration and Shared Benefits: The regional approach to marine conservation can lead to better economic integration. Shared environmental standards can facilitate smoother trade and maritime operations among the member states, leading to mutual economic benefits.
6. Looking Towards a Sustainable Future:
   • Long-term Environmental and Economic Benefits: By adopting these measures, we are not only complying with current regulations but are also paving the way for a sustainable future. Protecting our marine environment is an investment that will yield long-term benefits, both environmentally and economically.
   • Legacy for Future Generations: Our actions today will define the health of our oceans for future generations. By committing to these measures, we are ensuring that future generations inherit a healthy, thriving marine environment, capable of supporting their economic and ecological needs.

At the end, PERSGA provided all relevant documents of the training workshop to all the participants. Based on the results of the course evaluation questionnaire, the regional training workshop was highly successful and met its overall objectives