Posted: February 7th, 2023

Does ratification matter and do major conventions improve safety and decrease pollution in shipping?

Does ratification matter and do major conventions improve safety and decrease pollution in shipping?
Shipping is a crucial component of international trade and transportation, as approximately 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea. However, shipping is also a significant contributor to environmental pollution and has a significant impact on marine ecosystems. To address these concerns, numerous international conventions have been developed over the years to regulate shipping practices and improve safety and environmental standards in the industry. The question that arises is whether these conventions have been effective in reducing pollution and improving safety in the shipping industry.

I. The Role of Ratification in Improving Shipping Standards
II. Major International Conventions in Shipping
A. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
B. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
C. International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL)
III. Impact of Conventions on Pollution and Safety in Shipping
A. Reduction in Pollution from Ships
B. Improving Safety in Shipping
IV. Challenges in Implementing and Enforcing Shipping Conventions
V. Conclusion

I. The Role of Ratation in Improving Shipping Standards
International conventions play a crucial role in improving shipping standards and protecting the marine environment. Ratification of these conventions by countries indicates their commitment to implementing the standards outlined in the convention and to enforcing them domestically. Ratification also provides a mechanism for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the conventions and for resolving disputes that may arise between countries.

II. Major International Conventions in Shipping
A. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international treaty addressing the prevention of pollution from ships. MARPOL was adopted in 1973 and amended in 1978 and 1997. The convention sets standards for the design, construction, and operation of ships to prevent oil, noxious liquid substances, and harmful substances from being discharged into the sea. The convention also sets standards for the disposal of garbage from ships and for the discharge of sewage from ships.

B. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) was adopted in 1978 and amended in 1995 and 2010. The convention sets standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers and establishes a minimum level of competency for seafarers. The purpose of the convention is to promote safe and efficient shipping and to protect the environment and human life at sea.

C. International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL)
The International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL) was adopted in 1966 and amended in 1988 and 2003. The convention sets standards for the construction and equipment of ships and sets the minimum freeboard (the minimum distance between the waterline and the deck of a ship) that ships must maintain in order to ensure their safety. The purpose of the convention is to prevent ships from overloading and to ensure that ships are stable in heavy weather conditions.

III. Impact of Conventions on Pollution and Safety in Shipping
A. Reduction in Pollution from Ships
International conventions have had a significant impact in reducing pollution from ships. The MARPOL convention has been instrumental in reducing the amount of oil spilled from ships and has also established standards for the disposal of garbage from ships and the discharge of sewage from ships. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) (2021), the number of oil spills from ships has decreased significantly since the adoption of MARPOL.

B. Improving Safety in Shipping
International conventions have also improved safety in shipping by setting standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers, as well as establishing minimum requirements for the construction and equipment of ships. The STCW convention has played a significant role in improving the competency of seafarers and ensuring that they are properly trained to handle emergencies and prevent accidents. The ICLL convention has also contributed to the improvement of safety in shipping by setting standards for the stability of ships and preventing overloading.

IV. Challenges in Implementing and Enforcing Shipping Conventions
While international conventions have been successful in improving safety and reducing pollution in shipping, there are still challenges in implementing and enforcing these conventions. One of the main challenges is that not all countries have ratified these conventions, and those that have may not fully implement the standards outlined in the conventions. This can lead to non-compliance and the continued use of outdated practices that are harmful to the environment and human life.
Another challenge is the lack of resources and capacity in many countries to monitor and enforce compliance with the conventions. This can result in ships operating in a non-compliant manner, and it can also hinder the ability of countries to effectively address violations and resolve disputes.

V. International conventions have played a significant role in improving safety and reducing pollution in shipping. The ratification of these conventions by countries is crucial for their effective implementation and enforcement, and it demonstrates a commitment to the protection of the marine environment and human life. However, there are still challenges in fully implementing and enforcing these conventions, and further efforts are needed to address these challenges and ensure that the standards outlined in the conventions are being followed by all ships operating on the world’s seas.

Bibliography
Knapp, S. and Franses, P.H., 2023. Empirical analysis of the effectiveness of the legislative framework in the maritime industry. Marine Policy, 147, p.105401.
International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2021). Prevention of Pollution from Ships. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/PollutionPrevention/Pages/Default.aspx
Hoffman, S.J., Baral, P., Rogers Van Katwyk, S., Sritharan, L., Hughsam, M., Randhawa, H., Lin, G., Campbell, S., Campus, B., Dantas, M. and Foroughian, N., 2022. International treaties have mostly failed to produce their intended effects. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(32), p.e2122854119.
International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2021). Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/HumanElement/STCW/Pages/Default.aspx
Guelker, Daphne. “Fishers and seafarers in international law–Really so different?.” Marine Policy 148 (2023): 105473.
Norris, A., 2023. The Intersection of International Environmental Law and International Humanitarian Law at Sea. Journal of International Criminal Justice, p.mqad001.
International Maritime Organization (IMO). (2021). Load Lines. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/LoadLines/Pages/Default.aspx