Most marine pollution is the result of human causes, such as spillage due to inattention when handling oil and deliberate dumping of waste matter. Because this situation is such that we still cannot say that there is adequate awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment, we need to educate people and otherwise increase awareness related to protecting the marine environment, in order to prevent marine pollution.
It is for this reason that, in addition to providing guidance related to the prevention of accidents involving the spillage of oil, noxious substances, and other such substances and the proper disposal and handling of bilge, etc., JMSA appeals to not only those engaged in maritime affairs, but also broadly to the general public to be aware of the importance of protecting the marine environment. It does this by organizing marine environmental protection seminars nationwide (34,665 participants at a total of 406 seminars).
6. Measures to Prevent Marine Pollution By Foreign Ships
In 1995, JMSA confirmed 84 cases of marine pollution caused by foreign ships in the waters surrounding Japan. Of these, 32 cases involved violating the Marine Pollution Prevention Law, and they were sent to the prosecutor's office. Of the total, 63 confirmed cases of pollution occurred in Japan's territorial sea and 18 cases occurred outside its territorial sea.
JMSA makes use of a variety of opportunities, such as when it visits ships, to prevent marine pollution by foreign ships. It provides guidance to prevent oil spills and other such accidents by making the crew members of foreign ships aware of the related laws and by instructing them to devise concrete measures to prevent marine pollution.
II. Current State of Maritime Disasters and Preparedness and Response Measures Against Them
1. Situation Regarding the Occurrence of Maritime Disasters
(1) Situation Regarding the Occurrence of Spillage Accidents Involving Oil and Other Substances
In 1995, there were 243 oil spill accidents for which removal and cleanup measures were devised. By type of ship causing the spillage accidents, freighters were responsible for 63 cases, representing the largest percentage, 26%, of the total. This was followed by fishing vessels and then tankers.
The number of these accidents had been in a downward trend in recent years, but they increased in 1995.
