The MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships will come into force on May 19, 2005. Draft guidelines have been produced for use by port state control officers in conjunction with Annex VI and its associated NOx (nitrogen oxide) Technical Code, and are expected to be adopted in July 2005. However, owners should be aware that there is a strong possibility that port state control regimes may start implementing the guidelines as soon as Annex VI comes into force in May.

The guidelines include the following list of deficiencies, all of which are considered to be of such a serious nature that they may warrant the detention of a ship:

• absence of valid International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP), Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (EIAPP) or technical files
• a diesel engine with a power output of more than 130kW installed on board a ship constructed on or after January 1, 2000, or a diesel engine having undergone a major conversion on or after the same date, that does not comply with the NOx (nitrogen oxide) Technical Code
• a sulphur content of any fuel used on board exceeding 4.5% m/m
• non-compliance with the relevant requirements while operating within a sulphur oxide (SOx) emission control area
• an incinerator installed on board the ship on or after January 1, 2000 which does not comply with requirements contained in Appendix IV to the Annex, or the standard specifications for shipboard incinerators (Resolution MEPC.76(40) as amended by MEPC.93(45))
• a master or crew unfamiliar with the necessary procedures regarding the operation of air pollution prevention equipment as defined within the Annex.