A new consultation on rules aimed at reducing illegal discharge of garbage into our seas is being launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Shipowners and operators, in particular, are being encouraged to have their say on laws designed to further support the UK in its work to keep its seas clean by making it compulsory for certain types of UK-registered ships to carry records of their garbage handling operations.

There are already provisions in UK law based on the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (known as MARPOL) to restrict what can be discharged into the sea by ships.

The proposed requirements expand that existing law to require every ship of 100 GT (Gross Tonnage) and above and those that carry 15 or more people on international voyages.  They would be required to carry a Garbage Record Book to allow a check on disposals.

The amendments are being made to help UK authorities further in their ongoing enforcement work against those breaking the rules.

Chief Executive Officer Virginia McVea said: “Never has it been more pressing to protect our seas – they give and protect life.  It is vital that all of us do all we can to protect the marine environment. As we consider these changes it is important that everyone who wants to have their say can do so..”