Explanatory note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk) Regulations 1987.
They give effect to amendments to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization.
The amendments are largely concerned with changes in lists of substances (the Appendices to Annex II) and consequent changes (mainly additions) to the product lists contained in the bulk chemical codes.New editions of the IBC Code and the BCH Code have been produced by IMO.
The changes in the substance lists arise partly because of additions but some rationalisation of nomenclature has taken place with a number of substances being deleted in favour of the use of generic grouping.Some re-assessment of categorisation has occurred and also some re-evaluation (i.e.some substances which were pollutants have become non-pollutants and vice versa).
The list of oil-like substances has been re-assessed and additions have been made whilst most substances which were “provisionally listed” and the subject of Merchant Shipping Notice M1270 have been consolidated in the schedules which now includes (Schedule 4) the class approved not otherwise specified (n.o.s.) groups. Copies of IMO amendments and Codes referred to are obtainable from the International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR.