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Download XMLInternational Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto
Parties with reservations, declarations and objections
| Party | Reservations / Declarations | Objections |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Yes | No |
| Argentina | Yes | No |
| Australia | Yes | No |
| Barbados | Yes | No |
| Belgium | Yes | No |
| Brazil | Yes | No |
| Brunei | Yes | No |
| Bulgaria | Yes | No |
| Canada | Yes | Yes |
| Chile | Yes | No |
| China | Yes | No |
| Cuba | Yes | No |
| Cyprus | Yes | No |
| Denmark | Yes | No |
| Djibouti | Yes | No |
| Estonia | Yes | No |
| France | Yes | Yes |
| Ghana | Yes | No |
| Iceland | Yes | No |
| India | Yes | No |
| Indonesia | Yes | No |
| Ireland | Yes | No |
| Israel | Yes | No |
| Japan | Yes | No |
| Liberia | Yes | No |
| Malaysia | Yes | No |
| Malta | Yes | No |
| Mexico | Yes | No |
| Netherlands, the Kingdom of the | Yes | No |
| New Zealand | Yes | No |
| Norway | Yes | No |
| Oman | Yes | Yes |
| Republic of Korea, the | Yes | No |
| Romania | Yes | No |
| Russian Federation | Yes | No |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Yes | No |
| Seychelles | Yes | No |
| Singapore | Yes | No |
| South Africa | Yes | No |
| Spain | Yes | No |
| Switzerland | Yes | No |
| Syria | Yes | No |
| Türkiye | Yes | No |
| United Kingdom | Yes | No |
| United States of America | Yes | No |
| Vanuatu | Yes | No |
| Vietnam | Yes | No |
Algeria
31-01-1989
The Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria interprets the recourse to arbitration provided in article 10 of the present Convention as being applicable only with the prior agreement of all parties to the dispute.
Argentina
31-08-1993
The Republic of Argentina reserves its position in respect of the provision that disputes
relating to the interpretation or application of this Convention as regards the exercise
by a riparian State of its sovereign rights or its jurisdiction, are to be governed
only by the arbitration procedures contemplated in Article X and Protocol II, where
it is alleged that a riparian State has acted in breach of international rules and
standards prescribed for the protection and preservation of the marine environment
which are applicable to the riparian State and which have been established by this
Convention.
The Republic of Argentina reserves its position in that it does not yet possess the
equipment required by Rule 10 of Annex IV and by Rule 7 of Annex V, and cannot fulfil
the guarantees laid down in these standards.
Australia
14-10-1987
Declaring, as permitted under article 14 of the Convention, that Australia will not be bound by Annexes III, IV and V thereof.
Barbados
06-05-1994
...that it does not accept Annex IV of the Convention.
Belgium
06-03-1984
With reference to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships, 1973, and the Annexes, done at London on 2 November 1973, I hereby declare
that Belgium does not yet accept Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
This declaration is made in accordance with the provisions of article 14.1 of the
Convention.
Furthermore, I declare that the provisions of Annex I will be applied in accordance
with the
recommendations in the circulars issued by the Marine Environment Protection Committee
of the International Maritime Organization under references MEPC/Circ.97 and MEPC/Circ.99.
Brazil
06-03-1998
[...] that the Brazilian Government agrees to be bound by Optional Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Brunei
23-10-1986
In accordance with article 14 the Government of Brunei Darussalam hereby declares that it does not accept Annexes III, IV and V to the Convention.
Bulgaria
12-12-1984
The People's Republic of Bulgaria does not consider itself bound by the Annexes III, IV and V to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
Canada
16-11-1992
1. Optional Annexes
In accordance with article 14 of the Convention Canada declares that it does not accept
Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention at this time.
2. Arctic waters
Canada makes the following declarations based on Article 234 of the 1982 United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea, signed by Canada on 10 December, 1982:
(a) The Government of Canada considers that it has the right in accordance with international
law to adopt and enforce special non-discrimination laws and regulations for the prevention,
reduction and control of marine pollution from vessels in ice-covered waters where
particularly severe climatic conditions and the presence of ice covering such waters
for most of the year create obstructions or exceptional hazards to navigation, and
pollution of the marine environment could cause major harm to or irreversible disturbance
of the ecological balance.
(b) Consequently, Canada considers that its accession to the Protocol of 1978, as
amended, relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution
from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL 73/78) is without prejudice to such Canadian laws and regulations
as are now or may in the future be established in respect of arctic waters within
or adjacent to Canada.
Objection United States of America, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declarations concerning Arctic waters contained in the instrument
of accession by the Government of Canada to the Protocol of 1978 to the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as amended. The Government
of the United States of America considers that Canada may enact and enforce only those
laws and regulations, in respect of foreign shipping in Arctic waters, that are within
200 nautical miles from the baselines used to measure the breadth of the territorial
sea determinded in accordance with international law:
-that have due regard to navigation and the protection and preservation of the marine
environment based on the best available scientific evidence in Arctic wasters, and
-that are otherwise consistent with international law, including Articles 234 and
236 and other relevant provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea.
Objection Belgium, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection Denmark, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection France, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection Germany, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection Greece, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection Italy, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection Netherlands, the Kingdom of the, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection Portugal, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection Spain, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Objection United Kingdom, 18-11-1993
...refer to the declararion made by Canada at the time of its accession to the Protocol
of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 1973) relating to Article 234 of the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 10 December 1982.
...takes note of this declaration by Canada and considers that it should be read in
conformity with Articles 57, 234 and 236 of the United nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea. In particular, the... Government recalls that Article 234 of that Convention
applies within the limits of the exclusive economic zone or of a similar zone delimited
in conformity with Article 57 of the Convention and that the laws and regulations
contemplated in Article 234 shall have due regard to navigation and the protection
and preservation of the marine environment based on the best available scientific
evidence.
Chile
10-10-1994
The Government of Chile does not accept Optional Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, in accordance with article 14(1) of the Convention.
China
01-07-1983
The instrument of accession of the People's Republic of China contained a declaration in accordance with article 14 of the Convention that it "is not bound by Annexes III, IV and V of the ... Convention.
Cuba
21-12-1992
The Government of the Republic of Cuba, in accordance with article 14 of the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, declares that it does
not accept, for the time being, the Optional Annexes to the Convention.
Cyprus
22-06-1989
With the exception of Annexes III and IV of the Convention.
Denmark
27-11-1980
... The accession of Denmark is ... until further notice, subject to reservation with
regard to the obligations of Greenland and the Faroe Islands under the Protocol.
With effect from 1 January 1997, Denmark withdrew the reservation with respect to
the territory of Greenland with the exception of Optional Annex IV.
Djibouti
01-03-1990
...that Djibouti did not accept Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Estonia
16-12-1991
The Republic of Estonia does not consider itself bound by Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
France
25-09-1981
French ships cannot be subject to the provisions of regulation 10 (paragraphs 2 and
3), as regards the Mediterranean Sea area only, and of regulation 12 of Annex I except
when they have called at ports provided with the facilities required by those provisions.
Moreover, the French ships cannot be fitted with the equipment provided for in regulation
16 of the same Annex until such time as such equipment is actually available.
11-08-1982
As far as the Mediterranean Sea area only is concerned, the provisions of regulation
10 (paragraph 2) of Annex I of the Convention can be applied to tankers engaged in
voyages within the Mediterranean only if such tankers are proceeding to a port equipped
with the reception facilities required by regulation 12 of the Convention.
The second paragraph is deleted.
Objection Sweden, 23-07-1983
I am under instruction to state that the declaration, as corrected by the aforementioned communication, is regarded by the Swedish Government, as was the declaration in its original version, as a reservation which is not in conformity with paragraph 1 of article 14 of the 1973 Convention, nor compatible with the object and purpose of MARPOL 73/78. The Swedish Government therefore, is unable to accept the declaration made by the French Government.
Objection Norway, 12-08-1983
I am instructed to inform you that the Government of Norway has taken due note of the communication, which is understood to be a declaration on the part of the Government of France and not a reservation to the provisions of the Convention with the legal consequence such a formal reservation would have had, if reservations to Annex I had been admissible.
Objection Italy, 30-01-1984
... The Italian Government objects to the reservation on the part of France as specified
in document PMP/Circ. 15 of the 13th August, 1982.
Said reservation is contrary to the spirit and the letter of rule 10, Annex I, of
the above mentioned Convention in relation to paragraph 2 as well as paragraph 7 which
makes the construction of collecting devices in the categories of ports specified
in the document compulsory. Moreover the French reservation sets up a facultative
trend where binding provisions exist, as per Annex I of the MARPOL Convention 1973/78,
and would appear to be incompatible with the Italian legislation on the subject which
lays down very restrictive principles.
Ghana
03-06-1991
... subject to reservations in respect of Article 14 of the Convention on Optional Annexes; Annexes III, IV and V of which the Republic of Ghana does not consider itself bound.
Iceland
25-06-1985
..that Iceland does not accept Annexes III, IV or V of the Convention.
India
24-09-1986
...that the Government of the Republic of India shall not be bound by the provisions of Annexes III, IV and V of the said Convention.
Indonesia
21-10-1986
1. In accordance with the provisions of article 14(1) of the International Convention
for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia
declares that it does not accept all provisions of Annexes III, IV and V of the present
Convention.
2. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia understands the words 'international
law' in
regulation 1(9) of Annex I of MARPOL 73/78 on the Regulations for the Prevention of
Pollution by Oil to mean the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Ireland
06-01-1995
Declare that, in accordance with the facility under article 14 of the said Convention, Ireland does not accept (until further declaration) ANNEXES III and IV.
Israel
31-08-1983
excluding optional Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Japan
09-06-1983
In giving effect to the provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention
of Pollution from Ships, 1973 in accordance with the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto,
Japan reserves the right:
1. to discharge its obligations under the provisions of Annex I to the Convention
in accordance with the recommendations in the circulars issued by the Marine Environment
Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (MEPC/Circ.97 and
MEPC/Circ.99) on the implementation of the said provisions; and
2. to discharge its obligations under the provisions of regulation 13(3), appendix
II and appendix V of Annex II to the Convention in accordance with recommendations
in the documents, similar in nature to the circulars referred to in paragraph (1),
which shall be adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee on the implementation
of the said provisions and appendices.
Liberia
28-10-1980
[...] excluding Optional Annexes III, IV and V.
Malaysia
31-01-1997
..... hereby formally declares its accession to the Convention as amended by the Protocol with the exception of Annex III and Annex IV.
Malta
21-06-1991
... that the Government of Malta does not accept Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Mexico
23-04-1992
...that Mexico does not consider itself bound by optional Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Netherlands, the Kingdom of the
30-06-1983
- that the Kingdom of the Netherlands accepts, for the Kingdom in Europe and for the
Netherlands Antilles, the said Convention ... and Protocol ...
- that the Kingdom of the Netherlands does not accept, either for the Kingdom in Europe
or for the Netherlands Antilles, Annexes III, IV and V, and appendices thereto [of
the Convention].
Declaration:
1. Since the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands acknowledges that full compliance
with the discharge requirements of Annex I by ships is contingent upon the availability
of adequate facilities for oily wastes as called for by the said Annex, it expresses
its deep concern regarding the present inadequacy of such facilities in many ports
of the world;
2. The provisions of Annex I will be implemented in compliance with the recommendations
as contained in the circulars issued by the Marine Environment Protection Committee
of the
International Maritime Organization, under numbers MEPC/Circ.97 and MEPC/Circ.99.
New Zealand
25-09-1998
And declares that it does not accept Annex IV of the Protocol of 1978, except in relation to the Antarctic Special Area.
Norway
15-07-1980
The instrument of accession to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, deposited by the Kingdom of Norway was in respect of Annexes I, II, III and V.
Oman
13-03-1984
1. For the purposes of this Convention the term "within the jurisdiction" is interpreted
to mean the jurisdiction presently applied by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman
under the country's Marine Pollution Law of 1974 which extends to 50 nautical miles
from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
2. With reference" to the obligation laid down under regulation 10, paragraph 7,
subparagraph b(i); or regulation 12, paragraph 4 of Annex I concerning the reception
facilities to be provided by the State Parties, the Government of the Sultanate of
Oman wishes to declare that it intends to carry out this obligation but owing to a
very high cost involved it is unlikely that it will be in a position to implement
this provision before the next four to five years.
Objection Netherlands, the Kingdom of the, 15-03-1985
...the jurisdiction to be exercised by the sultanate of Oman under its Marine Pollution Law of 1974 beyond the limits of the territorial sea cannot exceed the jurisdiction recognized by international law.
Objection Germany, 13-08-1985
...the jurisdiction to be exercised by the sultanate of Oman under its Marine Pollution Law of 1974 beyond the limits of the territorial sea cannot exceed the jurisdiction recognized by international law.
Republic of Korea, the
23-07-1984
The Republic of Korea declares pursuant to article 14 of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 that she is not bound by Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Romania
15-04-1993
[...] that Optional Annexes III and IV be excluded.
Russian Federation
03-11-1983
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, while acceding to the Protocol of 1978 to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, does not accept optional Annexes III, IV and V to the above-mentioned Convention.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
24-12-1997
The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis will find it difficult on the practical level to implement the inspection and equipment requirements of MARPOL. There is concern about the ability to meet the equipment requirements. Secondly, there is concern about the necessary expertise to carry out the inspection process. Such expertise is very scarce in the Federation.
Seychelles
28-11-1990
...that the Republic of Seychelles does not consider itself bound by Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Singapore
01-11-1990
... that it will be bound by annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
South Africa
28-11-1984
...that the Government of the Republic of South Africa does not accept Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Spain
06-07-1984
...that it does not accept Annexes III, IV and V of the Convention.
Switzerland
15-12-1987
The Federal Council declares that Switzerland does not consider itself bound by Annexes 3, 4 and 5 of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.
Syria
09-11-1988
1. The Syrian Arab Republic does not consider itself bound by Annexes III, IV and
V of the
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973.
2. The Syrian Arab Republic does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article
10 of the above-mentioned Convention which provides that any dispute between two or
more Parties to the Convention concerning the interpretation or application of the
Convention which is not settled by negotiation or by any other means shall be submitted,
upon request by any of the Parties involved, to international arbitration. The Government
of the Syrian Arab Republic declares that it is necessary, in each individual case,
to obtain the agreement and acceptance of all Parties to the dispute to refer it to
international arbitration.
3. The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic declares that, to the fullest extent
possible, it will apply its efforts and material resources to carrying out the provisions
of regulations 10 to 12 of Annex I of the above-mentioned Convention with regard to
the construction of reception facilities in Syrian oil ports and terminals.
Türkiye
10-10-1990
The instrument of accession of the Republic of Turkey was in respect of Annexes I, II and V of the Convention.
United Kingdom
22-05-1980
The instrument of ratification of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland contained a statement to the effect that the Government of the United Kingdom
"...[reserves] the right not to apply the said Protocol in respect of any territory
for whose international relations the Government of the United Kingdom is responsible
until three months after the date on which the Government of the United Kingdom notify
the Secretary-General of the [International Maritime Organization] that the said Protocol
shall apply in respect of any such territory.".
The instrument of ratification was also accompanied by a declaration under article
14 of the Convention that the United Kingdom does not accept any one or all of Annexes
III, IV and V (referred to as 'Optional Annexes' of the Convention.
The instrument of acceptance of Optional Annexes III, IV and V contained a statement
to the effect that the Government of the United Kingdom "...[reserves] the right not
to apply the said Annexes [III, IV and V] in respect of any territory for whose international
relations the Government of the United Kingdom is responsible until three months after
the date on which the Government of the United Kingdom notifies the Secretary-General
of the International Maritime Organization that the said Annexes shall apply in respect
of any such territory.".
United States of America
12-08-1980
[...] excluding Optional Annexes III, IV and V.
16-10-1980
...that the United States considers that Annex I and II of the Protocol apply only to seagoing ships.
Vanuatu
13-04-1989
The Republic of Vanuatu does not accept Annexes III, IV and V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973.
Vietnam
29-05-1991
The Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam declares that it does not consider itself bound by Annexes III, IV and V of this Convention.