MARPOL Annex VI — Prevention of Air Pollution
The full map of Annex VI: SOx/NOx, ECAs, ODS, VOCs, incineration, fuel quality and energy efficiency (EEXI, CII, DCS) — with the picture updated to 2026.
Operational Explanation
MARPOL Annex VI governs the prevention of air pollution from ships: sulphur oxides (SOx) and fuel quality, nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone-depleting substances (ODS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), on-board incineration, and — from Chapter 4 — energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions (EEDI, EEXI, SEEMP, CII, IMO DCS).
This topic is the cross-cutting reference that the module's individual operational procedures (Fuel Oil Changeover, Incinerator Operations) point back to: the full regulatory picture is here, the step-by-step practical procedure is there.
Main developments 2025–2027: Mediterranean SECA from 1 May 2025 (Resolution MEPC.361(79)); new BDN/IMO DCS granularity rules from 1 August 2025 (Resolution MEPC.385(81)); SEEMP Part II deadline on 31 December 2025; new Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea ECAs from 1 March 2026 (Resolution MEPC.392(82)); the IMO Net-Zero framework approved in principle at MEPC 83 (April 2025), with the October 2025 session postponed to a resumed session in autumn 2026, and entry into force expected 1 March 2027.
Regulatory Reference
MARPOL Annex VI — main structure: Reg. 1-3 (application), Reg. 2 (definitions), Reg. 5-11 (survey and certification, IAPP/EIAPP), Reg. 12 (ODS), Reg. 13 (NOx, NOx Technical Code 2008), Reg. 14 (SOx and fuel quality, ECAs), Reg. 15 (VOCs), Reg. 16 (incineration), Reg. 18 (fuel quality and Bunker Delivery Note), Chapter 4 (EEDI, EEXI, SEEMP, CII, IMO DCS).
Scope of Application
Applies to all ships subject to MARPOL, with requirements differentiated by tonnage/type (e.g. EEXI/CII for ships above 5,000 GT; IAPP certification for ships of 400 GT and above on international voyages).
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Verify the certificate class required (IAPP for the ship, EIAPP for each diesel engine subject to Reg. 13) and its survey validity/expiry.
- Check the planned navigation area against active ECAs (North America, US Caribbean, Baltic, North Sea, Mediterranean from 2025, Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea from 2026) and arrange compliant fuel/EGCS.
- Verify the Bunker Delivery Note for every bunkering operation and retain it together with the MARPOL sample for the required period.
- Update SEEMP Part II (deadline 31 December 2025) and verify that IMO DCS data is aligned with the new granularity required from 1 August 2025.
- Monitor the evolution of the IMO Net-Zero framework (resumed session in autumn 2026) for medium-term CII/EEXI planning.
Practical Example
Example pre-departure check: a ship bound from North Africa to Northern Europe through the Mediterranean — since 1 May 2025 the entire route lies within a SECA, so the changeover to 0.10% S fuel (or use of an approved scrubber) must be planned from departure, not only on entering the Baltic/North Sea as in the past.
Real Cases
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Voyage planning not updated with the new ECAs (Mediterranean 2025, Arctic/Norway 2026) | Use of non-compliant fuel in an area now regulated as a SECA | Update charts and voyage planning procedures with every new MEPC resolution entering into force |
| Expired IAPP certificate or missing EIAPP for a modified engine | PSC deficiency, possible detention | Track survey deadlines in a dedicated register and coordinate Annex VI surveys with other statutory surveys |
| SEEMP Part II not updated or incomplete IMO DCS data against the new required granularity | Non-compliance in data collection and possible knock-on effects on CII rating | Review SEEMP Part II before the 31 December 2025 deadline and align DCS data-collection systems with the new requirements |
PSC Observations
Operational Tips
- Keep an always up-to-date table of active ECAs with their entry-into-force dates, for use during voyage planning.
- Coordinate Annex VI certificate deadlines (IAPP/EIAPP) with the ship's general survey calendar.
- Follow regulatory updates (Regulatory Updates section) to avoid being caught unprepared by new MEPC resolutions, including the evolving IMO Net-Zero framework.
Checklist
- IAPP certificate valid and consistent with the ship's current configuration
- EIAPP certificates present for all engines subject to Reg. 13
- ECAs on the planned route identified and compliant fuel/EGCS arranged
- Bunker Delivery Notes and MARPOL samples correctly filed
- SEEMP Part II updated and IMO DCS data aligned with current requirements