MARPOL Annex I Compliance Guide for Vessels Calling at Dominican Ports

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships — MARPOL — divides shipowner obligations into six annexes. Annex I specifically regulates hydrocarbons and oily mixtures generated during normal vessel operations: engine room bilge water, purifier sludge, tank washing water on tankers, and any oily residue with a hydrocarbon content above 15 ppm prior to discharge.

In the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) and the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI) are the regulatory bodies that supervise the proper disposal of these residues at the country's 8 designated ports. Vessels calling at Caucedo, Río Haina, Boca Chica, Puerto Plata, Samaná, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, or Manzanillo must comply with Annex I Regulation 15 — specifically the prohibition on discharging oily mixtures with a hydrocarbon content above 15 ppm outside an approved port reception facility.

The Oil Record Book (ORB) Part I — for non-tanker vessels — must log every operation related to machinery spaces: ballasting, oil spills, collection and delivery of oily residues ashore. This book must be kept on board for three years and made available for inspection by Administration or Port State Control officers at any time. Errors or omissions in the ORB are among the most frequent causes of fines and detentions under the PSC regime.

To coordinate discharge at Dominican ports, the master or port agent should contact the ship chandler at least 12 hours before arrival. The service provider must have certified collection equipment, a hazardous waste transport manifest, and a chain of custody through to an authorized disposal facility. De Jesús Ship Supply issues a reception and disposal certificate in the forms required by MARPOL, which the vessel adds to the ORB as proof of legal delivery.

The most commonly generated residues during a port call include: fuel oil purifier sludge, bilge water with oily mix, oil filter residues, and contaminated rags. The typical volume per call for a mid-size vessel (15,000–25,000 DWT) at Caucedo ranges from 3 to 12 cubic meters, depending on the length of the previous voyage and the condition of the oil purifier. Efficient coordination with the chandler avoids costly berth delays and ensures the ORB is complete before departure.

Non-compliance with Annex I can result in vessel detention under the Paris MOU or Caribbean MOU — both of which the Dominican Republic is party to. Penalties include fines, prohibition of departure, and reporting to the vessel's flag state registry. Working with a local provider who understands current regulations and holds valid permits is the most efficient way to ensure compliance on every Dominican port call.