​​​Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a plan to meet regulations in the annexes of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention).

The plan aims to develop the capability of officials and civil servants in state maritime management agencies as well as the quality of environment inspectors and supervisors who supervise sea ports.

It also aims to control environmental pollution from maritime activities.

Under the plan, from 2016 to 2020, relevant agencies will review legal documents on prevention of pollution caused by ships and management of discharge from ships in maritime activities and in offshore gas and oil exploration and exploitation, with a view to fully implementing regulations in annexes III, IV, V and VI of the MARPOL.

Regular examinations and inspections will be conducted in line with regulations in annexes III, IV, V and VI, to fulfil the country’s responsibility towards ships carrying Vietnam’s flag as well as the responsibilities of a coastal nation with sea ports.

The plan calls for increasing the capability of Vietnamese officials to conduct examinations on ships carrying Vietnam’s flag and investigate and deal with maritime accidents, including training for sea port inspection officers and ship registry officers.

From 2015 to 2030, study will be conducted on investment mechanisms and policies for systems collecting waste at sea ports according to regulations in annexes IV, V and VI, as well as on equipment monitoring sewage and garbage discharged by ships.

The plan also mentions increasing cooperation with international organisations in the maritime sector and other countries in the region in the form of information exchange, technical assistance, personnel training and technology transfer relating to the implementation of the MARPOL.

The MARPOL includes regulations aimed at preventing and minimising pollution from ships - both accidental pollution and that from routine operations - and currently includes six technical annexes.

VNA