MARPOL Annex V: What Superyacht Crews Need to Know

MARPOL Annex V regulates the discharge of garbage from ships. For superyachts of 400GT and above, compliance isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement that gets checked during flag state and port state inspections.

What Counts as Garbage?

Under MARPOL Annex V, garbage includes:

• Food waste – All types of spoiled and unspoiled food
• Domestic waste – Paper, plastics, glass, metal, bottles, crockery
• Cooking oil – Used cooking oil from galleys
• Operational waste – Maintenance waste, cargo residues, fishing gear
• Animal carcasses – Applies if carrying animals
• Cleaning agents and additives – Contained in wash water

The General Rule

The simplest way to remember MARPOL Annex V: nothing goes overboard except food waste (and even that has conditions).

Specifically:

• Plastics – Never discharged at sea
• Food waste – Only beyond 12nm from land, and must be comminuted (ground to <25mm) if between 3-12nm
• All other garbage – Disposal only to reception facilities

Special Areas

Mediterranean. Baltic. North Sea. Caribbean. These are MARPOL Special Areas with stricter requirements.

In Special Areas:

• No discharge of food waste unless beyond 12nm AND comminuted
• All other garbage must go to port reception facilities
• The Mediterranean essentially requires zero discharge

Pro tip: Most flag states now expect zero discharge as standard practice. It’s simpler and safer than trying to comply with the distance and comminution rules.

Documentation Requirements

Vessels of 400GT and above need:

1. Garbage Management Plan – Procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of garbage
2. Garbage Record Book – Log of all garbage disposals, including to port facilities

The Garbage Record Book must record:

• Date and time of discharge/disposal
• Position of ship (or port name)
• Category of garbage
• Estimated amount in cubic meters
• Signature of officer in charge

Entries must be made each time garbage is discharged to sea (where permitted) or delivered to port reception facilities.

Practical Tips

Segregation – Set up bins for different waste streams (recyclables, food waste, general waste). It makes port disposal easier and reduces your environmental impact.

Compactors and incinerators – If your yacht has these, ensure they’re in the Garbage Management Plan with operating procedures.

Reception facilities – Not all marinas have good waste facilities. In remote areas, you may need to store garbage longer than expected. Plan accordingly.

Crew training – Everyone generates garbage. Make sure all crew understand the basics of what can and can’t be discharged.

Common Inspection Findings

Port state and flag state inspectors regularly check:

• Is the Garbage Record Book up to date?
• Does the crew know the discharge requirements?
• Are the placards displayed?
• Does the Garbage Management Plan reflect actual onboard procedures?

Don’t make the mistake of having a perfect document that nobody follows. Inspectors talk to crew.

Need a Template?

If you need a compliant Garbage Management Plan for your yacht, check out our Garbage Management Plan template. It includes everything you need: the plan itself, record book templates, and crew placards.