2.11 At present, the MEPC is continuing its work on the
development of mandatory regulations on ballast water
management and associated implementation guidelines,
including a model Ballast Water Management Plan. The MEPC
intends to complete all preparatory work in 1999 so that an
international conference could be convened in the biennium of
2000-2001 to adopt the regulations, thus realizing one of the
objectives stated in Chapter 17 of Agenda 21.
Protection of special areas and particularly sensitive sea
areas
2.12 The concept of"special area" was introduced
by IMO in 1973 under MARPOL Annexes I,II and V in order
to provide special mandatory measures for prevention of
marine pollution from ships in those areas. For example,
under MARPOL Annex I, any discharge into the sea of oily
mixture from ships shall be prohibited while in a special
area unless a number of stringent conditions are met.
2.13 The International Conference on Tanker Safety and
Pollution Prevention (TSPP) convened by IMO in 1978
introduced the concept of "particularly sensitive sea
areas" (PSSA). The Conference, taking into account that
the concept of PSSA was not introduced in MARPOL, invited IMO
to address the matter of PSSAs around the world which are in
special need of protection against marine pollution from
shipping and dumping on account of the areas' particular
sensitivity in respect of their renewable resources. The
concept of PSSA was also recognized by paragraph 17.30(a)(iv)
of Chapter 17 of Agenda 21.
2.14 In response to the request of the 1978 TSPP
Conference, the MEPC developed the "Guidelines for the
designation of special areas and the identification of
particularly sensitive sea areas", which were
subsequently adopted by the seventeenth IMO Assembly in 1991
under cover of resolution A.72O(17). This IMO resolution sets
out measures that may be used in connection with the
management of PSSAs, such as the imposition of MARPOL special
area discharge provisions. the adoption of areas to be
avoided and other routeing measures under regulation V/8 of
the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea (SOLAS), and the application of Vessel Traffic Services
(VTS) schemes.
2.15 The Great Barrier Reef of Australia was recognized as
the world's first PSSA by the MEPC under resolution
MEPC.44(30). In 1997, the MEPC recognized the Sabana-Camaguey
Archipelago of Cuba as another PSSA by resolution
MEPC.74(40). These are the two PSSAs which have been
established by IMO up to date.
2.16 The special areas established by IMO under MARPOL
73/78 are as follows:
The requirements for the special areas marked with * have
taken effect, the rest have not taken effect due to lack of
adequate reception facilities, the problem of which is
discussed under section 3 of the report.
