UNDERSTANDING MARPOL & WHY IT MATTERS

Protecting our oceans through legislation and innovation.

What is MARPOL?

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the primary global treaty established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to protect the marine environment from pollution caused by ships. Adopted in 1973, MARPOL sets strict standards to prevent pollution from:

  • Oil (Annex I)
  • Noxious liquid substances (Annex II)
  • Harmful substances in packaged form (Annex III)
  • Sewage (Annex IV)
  • Garbage (Annex V)
  • Air emissions (Annex VI)

MARPOL is legally binding for vessels worldwide. Non-compliance can result in fines, vessel detention, and reputational damage. More importantly, it safeguards our oceans for future generations.

Why Annex V is So Important

MARPOL Annex V regulates the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships, including cleaning agents and cargo residues. Only chemicals proven to be non-harmful to the marine environment may be discharged at sea, and all usage must be properly documented.

Oceans Assured™ – The Global Standard

The Oceans Assured™ range, developed by August Race, has been designed from the ground up to meet and exceed MARPOL Annex V requirements. Every product in the range is:

  • MARPOL Annex V compliant – safe for use and discharge at sea
  • Non-hazardous and non-harmful to aquatic life
  • Independently verified for complete confidence

The Digital Compliance Platform

Alongside the products, Oceans Assured™ provides a first-of-its-kind Digital Compliance Platform to simplify reporting and reinforce transparency:

✅ Instant access to attested MSDS, MARPOL compliance statements, packaging specifications, and sustainability certificates
✅ Digital Batch Code Tracing – input the batch code to access production date and compliance records
✅ Transparency statements to prevent greenwashing and ensure verified claims
✅ A central resource hub to streamline inspections and compliance reporting

Why This Matters

With tighter regulations and growing global scrutiny, ship operators must ensure that every product used onboard is legally compliant and environmentally safe. Oceans Assured™ not only guarantees MARPOL compliance but also delivers unmatched transparency and accountability, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Oceans Assured™ — “The Global Standard in Sustainable Marine Care”