Vessel owners are advised that MARPOL Annex VI and its associated NOx (nitrogen oxide) Technical Code will enter into force on May 19, 2005. According to Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships, all ships of 400 gt and above engaged on international voyages may be required to produce specific documentation (where applicable) to a port state control officer (PSCO).

The following documentation may be required:

• the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate 1, including its supplement (i.e. record of construction and equipment)
• the Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate, including its supplement (i.e. record of construction) for each applicable diesel engine
• the technical file and means of verification for each applicable diesel engine
• the record book of diesel engine parameters for each diesel engine demonstrating compliance with Regulation 13 by means of the diesel engine parameter check method
• approved documentation relating to exhaust gas cleaning systems, or equivalent means, to reduce SOx emissions
• the bunker delivery notes and associated samples
• approved documentation relating to a vapour emission control system, where applicable, for tankers
• a copy of the IMO type-approval certificate and operator’s manual for each incinerator installed on board
• operational procedures relating to MARPOL Annex VI