Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships

The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) is a United States environmental law that implements the provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The act was enacted to address the issue of marine pollution and to ensure that the United States complies with international standards for preventing pollution from ships.

Overview

The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships was enacted in 1980 and is codified in Title 33 of the United States Code, Sections 1901-1915. The primary objective of the act is to prevent the discharge of harmful substances into the marine environment from ships. It applies to all ships operating in the navigable waters of the United States, as well as to U.S.-flagged ships operating anywhere in the world.

Provisions

The APPS incorporates the requirements of MARPOL, which includes six annexes addressing different types of marine pollution:

• Annex I: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil
• Annex II: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk
• Annex III: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form
• Annex IV: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships
• Annex V: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships
• Annex VI: Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships

Enforcement

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is the primary agency responsible for enforcing the provisions of the APPS. The USCG conducts inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with the act and MARPOL regulations. Violations of the APPS can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Significance

The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships plays a crucial role in protecting the marine environment by reducing the discharge of pollutants from ships. It helps to prevent oil spills, reduce the release of harmful chemicals, and minimize the impact of ship-generated waste on the oceans.

Related Legislation

The APPS is part of a broader framework of U.S. environmental laws aimed at protecting the marine environment. Related legislation includes the Clean Water Act, the Oil Pollution Act, and the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act.

See Also

• Marine pollution
• International Maritime Organization
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Oil spill