Resolution  MEPC.168(56)

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DATE ON WHICH REGULATION 1.11.5 OF MARPOL ANNEX I AND REGULATION 5(1)(E) OF MARPOL ANNEX V, IN RESPECT OF THE GULFS AREA SPECIAL AREA, SHALL TAKE EFFECT

(Adopted on 13 July 2007)

THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE,

RECALLING Article 38 of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Committee,

NOTING regulation 1.11.5 of Annex I and regulation 5(1)(e) of Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78), define the Gulfs area as a Special Area under Annexes I and V respectively, as adopted in 1973,

NOTING ALSO the definition of the Special Area under MARPOL Annex I and V, i.e. a sea area where for recognized technical reasons in relation to its oceanographical and ecological condition and to the particular character of its traffic the adoption of special mandatory methods for the prevention of pollution of the sea by oil and by garbage, respectively, is required,

NOTING FURTHER the information provided in document MEPC 56/8/2, submitted by Bahrain, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, representing all States bordering Gulfs area Special Area, that adequate reception facilities are provided in all major ports within the said Special Area, in accordance with the provisions of regulation 38.4 of MARPOL Annex I and regulation 5(4)(a) of MARPOL Annex V,

HAVING CONSIDERED the matter to establish the date, on which the discharge requirements of regulation 1.11.5 of MARPOL Annex I and regulation 5(1)(e) of MARPOL Annex V in respect of the Gulfs area Special Area shall take effect,

1. DECIDES that the discharge requirements for Special Areas in regulations 15 and 34 of MARPOL Annex I and regulation 5 of MARPOL Annex V for the Gulfs area Special Area shall take effect on 1 August 2008, in accordance with the requirements set out in regulation 38.6.1 of MARPOL Annex I and regulation 5(4)(b) of MARPOL Annex V;

2. ENCOURAGES Member Governments and industry groups to comply