Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Vessels rules 2026

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-17072026-274576 EXTRAORDINARY PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 530] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026/ASHADHA 16, 1948 MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 3rd July, 2026 G.S.R. 588(E).– In exercise of the powers conferred by section 131, sub-section (2), sub-section (4) and sub-section (5) of section 133, section 134, sub-section (2) of section 135, sub-section (1) of section 142 read with section 143 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of 2025), and in supersession of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) Rules, 2010, except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely :- **CHAPTER I** **PRELIMINARY** 1. **Short title and commencement.** – (1) These rules may be called the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Vessels) Rules, 2026. (2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 2. **Definitions.** – (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires - (a) "Act" means the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 (24 of 2025); (b) "administration" means the Director-General for Indian vessels and with respect to a vessel entitled to fly a flag of another State means the Government of that State; (c) "Annex" means Annex IV to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 including its Protocol of 1978; (d) "anniversary date" means the day and the month of each year which corresponds to the date of expiry of the certificate; (e) "certificate” means an International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate or an Indian Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate or International Sewage Pollution Prevention Exemption Certificate for Unmanned Non-Self-Propelled (UNSP) Barges, as the case may be; (f) "convention" means the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 including its Protocol of 1978, as amended from time to time; (g) "existing passenger vessel" is a passenger vessel which is not a new passenger vessel; (h) "existing vessel" means a vessel which is not a new vessel; (i) "form" means forms appended to these rules; (j) 'from the nearest land' means from the baseline from which the territorial sea of the territory in question is established in accordance with international law except that, for the purposes of the present convention “from the nearest land" off the north eastern coast of Australia shall mean from a line drawn from a point on the coast of Australia in: latitude 11°00' S, longitude 142°08′ E to a point in latitude 10°35' S, longitude 141°55′ E thence to a point latitude 10°00' S, longitude 142°00′ E thence to a point latitude 9°10' S, longitude 143°52′ E thence to a point latitude 9°00' S, longitude 144°30′ E thence to a point latitude 10°41' S, longitude 145°00′ E thence to a point latitude 13°00' S, longitude 145°00′ E thence to a point latitude 15°00' S, longitude 146°00′ E thence to a point latitude 17°30' S, longitude 147°00′ E thence to a point latitude 21°00' S, longitude 152°55′ E thence to a point latitude 24°30' S, longitude 154°00′ E thence to a point on the coast of Australia in latitude 24°42' S, longitude 153°15′ E; (k) "grey water" means drainage from dishwater, galley sink, shower, laundry, bath and washbasin drains, which is not considered sewage unless mixed with drainage from toilets, urinals, hospitals, and animal spaces; (l) "holding tank" means a tank used for the collection and storage of sewage; (m) "new passenger vessel” means a passenger vessel- (i) for which the building contract is placed or, in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid, or which is in a similar stage of construction, on or after the 1st June, 2019; or (ii) the delivery of which is made after the 1st June, 2021; (n) "new vessel" means a vessel – (i) for which the building contract is placed, or in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, on or after the 27th September, 2003; or (ii) the delivery of which is three years or more after the 27th September, 2003; (o) "organisation" means the International Maritime Organization; (p) "person" includes the member of the crew and the passenger; (q) "Polar Code" means the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, consisting of an introduction, part I-A and part II-A and parts I-B and II-B, as adopted by resolutions MSC.385(94) and MEPC.264(68), as may be amended; provided that: (i) amendments to the environment-related provisions of the introduction and chapter 4 of part II- A of the Polar Code are adopted, brought into force and take effect in accordance with the provisions of article 16 of the convention concerning the amendment procedures applicable to an appendix to an annex of the convention; and (ii) amendments to part II-B of the Polar Code are adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee in accordance with its Rules of Procedure. (r) "Polar waters" means Arctic waters and/or the Antarctic area. (s) Explanation - For the purpose of this clause - (i) "Antarctic area" means the sea area south of latitude 60° S. (ii) "Arctic waters" means those waters which are located north of a line from the latitude 58°00′.0 N and longitude 042°00′.0 W to latitude 64°37′.0 N, longitude 035°27′.0 W and thence by a rhumb line to latitude 67°03′.9 N, longitude 026°33′.4 W and thence by a rhumb line to the latitude 70°49′.56 N and longitude 008°59′.61 W (Sørkapp, Jan Mayen) and by the southern shore of Jan Mayen to 73°31'.6 N and 019°01'.0 E by the Island of Bjørnøya, and thence by a great circle line to the latitude 68°38′.29 N and longitude 043°23′.08 E (Cap Kanin Nos) and hence by the northern shore of the Asian Continent eastward to the Bering Strait and thence from the Bering Strait westward to latitude 60° N as far as Il'pyrskiy and following the 60th North parallel eastward as far as and including Etolin Strait and thence by the northern shore of the North American continent as far south as latitude 60° N and thence eastward along parallel of latitude 60° N, to longitude 056°37′.1 W and thence to the latitude 58°00′.0 N, longitude 042°00′.0 W; (t) "Schedule" means the Schedule annexed to these rules containing the requirements of Annex IV of International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 including its Protocol of 1978, as amended from time to time; (u) "sewage" means- (i) drainage and other wastes from any form of toilets and urinals; (ii) drainage from medical premises (dispensary, sick bay etc) via wash basins, wash tubs and scuppers located in such premises; (iii) drainage from spaces containing living animals; or (iv) other waste waters when mixed with the drainages defined above; (v) "special area" means a sea area where for recognized technical reasons in relation to its oceanographical and ecological condition and to the particular character of its traffic the adoption of special mandatory methods for the prevention of sea pollution by sewage is required. The special areas are: (i) the Baltic Sea area as defined in regulation 1.11.2 of Annex I of International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 including its Protocol of 1978; and (ii) any other sea area designated by the organization in accordance with criteria and procedures for designation of special areas with respect to prevention of pollution by sewage from vessels; (w) "treated wastewater" is the treated liquid effluent discharged from the sewage treatment plant; and (x) "unmanned non-self-propelled barge" means a barge that- (i) is not propelled by mechanical means; (ii) has neither persons nor living animals on board; (iii) is not used for holding sewage during transport; and (iv) has no arrangements that could produce sewage. (2) Words and expressions used in these rules and not defined but defined in the Act shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act. 3. **Application.** – (1) Unless otherwise provided, the provisions of these rules shall apply to the following vessels, - (a) new vessels of four hundred gross tonnage and above; (b) new vessels of less than four hundred gross tonnage which are certified to carry more than fifteen persons; (c) existing vessels of four hundred gross tonnage and above, five years after the date of 27th September, 2003; (d) existing vessels of less than four hundred gross tonnage which are certified to carry more than fifteen persons, five years after the date of 27th September, 2003. (2) Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (1), vessels of gross tonnage less than four hundred and certified to carry fifteen persons or fewer, when operating within coastal waters, shall comply with the additional requirements specified in sub-paragraph (5) of paragraph 4 of the Schedule I. (3) The Director-General shall ensure that existing vessels, specified under clauses (c) and (d) of sub-rule (1), the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction before 2nd October, 1983, shall be so equipped as to discharge of sewage in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 3 of the Schedule I. (4) The vessels to which these rules apply shall comply with the requirements given in the Schedule to these rules. 4. **Exceptions and exemptions.**– (1) The provisions of paragraph 3 of the Schedule I and Section 4.2 of Chapter 4 of the Part II-A of the Polar Code shall not apply to- (i) the discharge of sewage from a vessel is necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of the vessel and those on board, or for saving life at sea; or (ii) the discharge of sewage results from damage to the vessel or its equipment if all reasonable precautions have been taken before and after the occurrence of such damage for the purpose of preventing or minimising the discharge. (2) The Director-General may exempt an unmanned non-self-propelled barge from the requirements of sub- rule (1) of rule 5 and sub-rule (1) of rule 6, by an International Sewage Pollution Prevention Exemption Certificate, for a period not exceeding five years, provided that such barge has undergone a survey in accordance with the provisions of these rules. **CHAPTER II** **SURVEY and CERTIFICATION** 5. **Survey.** - (1) Every vessel specified under sub-rule (1) of rule 3 shall be subject to the following survey, namely:- (a) an initial survey shall be conducted before the vessel is put in service or before the certificate is issued for the first time and such initial survey shall include a complete survey of its structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements and material so as to ensure that they fully comply with the requirements of these rules; (b) a renewal survey shall be conducted at an interval not exceeding five years except where the provisions of sub-rules (3), (6), (7) and (8) of rule 9 are applicable and the renewal survey shall be such as to ensure that the structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements and materials fully comply with the requirements of these rules; and (c) an additional survey, either general or partial, according to the circumstances, shall be conducted after a repair is required, or whenever important repairs or renewals are made and such survey shall ensure that necessary repairs or renewals have been effectively made and that the material and workmanship of such repairs or renewals are in all respect satisfactory and the vessel complies with the requirements of these rules in all respect. (2) The Director-General shall specify appropriate measures for vessels which are not subject to the provisions of sub-rule (1) in such manner that the provisions of these rules are complied with. (3) The survey of vessels for the purposes of enforcement of the provisions of these rules shall be carried out by a surveyor or the authorized person, as the case may be. (4) The Director-General shall- (a) subject to such conditions as it deems fit, empower the surveyor or, the authorised person, as the case may be, referred to in sub-rule (3), to require repairs to a vessel and to carry out survey on the request of appropriate authorities of another State; and (b) notify the organisation of the specific responsibilities and conditions of authority so given to the surveyor or the authorized person, for circulation to other States, for the information of their officers. (5) When the surveyor or the authorised person, as the case may be, determines that the condition of the vessel or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the certificate or is such that, the vessel is not fit to proceed to sea without presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment, such surveyor or authorised person shall immediately ensure that corrective action is taken and shall also, in due course, report the same to the Director-General: Provided that where such corrective action is not taken, the certificate shall be withdrawn and the Director-General shall be reported of it immediately: Provided further that if the vessel is in a port of another state, the appropriate authorities of that port state shall be reported immediately. (6) The administration shall, in every case, fully guarantee the completeness and efficiency of such survey and undertake to ensure necessary arrangements to satisfy such obligation. (7) The condition of the vessel and its equipment shall be maintained in such manner as to conform to the provisions of the convention so that the vessel shall remain, in all respects, fit to proceed to sea without presenting any unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment. (8) After such survey of the vessel under sub-rule (1) has been completed, no change shall be made in the structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements or material covered by such survey without the sanction of the Director-General, except any direct replacement of such equipment and fittings. (9) Whenever an accident occurs to a vessel or a defect is discovered which substantially affects the integrity of the vessel or the efficiency or completeness of its equipment as required by these rules, the master or owner of the vessel shall report at the earliest opportunity to the Director-General, who shall cause investigation to be initiated by the surveyor or the authorised person to determine whether a survey as required by sub-rule (1) is necessary: Provided that if the vessel is in the port of another State party; the master or owner shall also report immediately to the administration of the state concerned and shall cause the surveyor or the authorised person of that administration to ascertain such defect. 6. **Issue or endorsement of certificate.** (1) After an initial survey or renewal survey, as the case may be, in accordance with the provisions of rule 5, an International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate or exemption certificate for unmanned non-self-propelled barges shall be issued to any vessel which is engaged in voyages to ports or offshore terminals under the jurisdiction of other state parties to the convention and in the case of existing vessels, such requirement shall apply for five years after the 27th September, 2003. (2) The certificates referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be issued or endorsed by the Director-General and in every case, it shall assume full responsibility for such certificate. (3) The Director-General shall issue an Indian Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate to any vessel, whether above or below 400 gross tonnage, which is engaged in voyages to ports or offshore terminals in coastal waters. (4) Indian River Sea Vessels, Indian River Sea Passenger Vessels and Indian Coastal Vessels shall be surveyed and certified in accordance with the respective laws applicable to such vessels, in so far as those laws implement or supplement the requirements of Annex IV of the convention and these rules. 7. **Issue or endorsement of a certificate at the request of another administration.** – (1) The Director-General may, on the request of the administration of a foreign vessel, cause a vessel to be surveyed and if satisfied that the provisions of the convention are complied with, issue or authorise the issue of a certificate to that vessel and where appropriate, endorse or authorise the endorsement of that certificate on the vessel in accordance with these rules. (2) A certificate so issued under sub-rule (1) shall contain a statement to the effect that it has been issued at the request of the administration concerned and it shall have the same force and receive the same recognition as the certificate issued under the provisions of the Annex. (3) A copy of the certificate and a copy of the survey report shall be transmitted to the administration concerned. (4) No certificate shall be issued to a vessel which is entitled to fly the flag of a state, which is not a party. 8. **Issue of exemption certificate for unmanned non-self-propelled barges.** - (1) The owner or operator of a vessel shall apply to the Director-General, enclosing the General Arrangement Plan, Capacity Plan and such other plans or information as may be required. (2) The Director-General shall- (a) review the submitted plans and information to verify compliance; and (b) carry out a survey of the barge to confirm that the actual arrangements on board correspond to unmanned non-self-propelled barges. (3) Where the Director-General is satisfied that the conditions of sub-rule (2) are complied with, it shall issue an International Sewage Pollution Prevention Exemption Certificate for Unmanned Non-Self-Propelled Barges. (4) The exemption granted under this rule shall cease to have effect, and the exemption certificate shall be withdrawn or cancelled, where - (a) the barge is operated in a manner that does not comply with the conditions of unmanned non-self- propelled barges ; or (b) any arrangements are fitted or used which could generate sewage, unless the barge is thereafter surveyed and certificated in accordance with these rules. (5) No such certificate shall be issued to a vessel or barge entitled to fly the flag of a State which is not a party to the convention. 9. **Certificate.** – (1) The certificates under these rules shall be issued in the forms appended to these rules. (2) The certificate issued shall be valid for a maximum period of five years. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2), when the renewal survey is completed- (a) within three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate issued shall be valid from the date of completion of such renewal survey for a period of five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate; (b) after the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate issued shall be valid from the date of completion of such renewal survey for a period of five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate; and (c) more than three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the new certificate issued shall be valid from the date of completion of the renewal survey for a period of five years from the date of completion of such renewal survey. (4) If a certificate is issued for a period of less than five years, the Director-General may extend the validity of the certificate beyond the expiry date to the maximum period specified in sub-rule (2). (5) If a renewal survey has been completed and a new certificate cannot be issued or placed on board the vessel before the expiry date of the existing certificate, the Director-General may endorse the existing certificate and such certificate shall be accepted as valid for a further period of five months from the expiry date. (6) If, at a time when the certificate expires, a vessel is not in the port in which it is to be surveyed, or in such other cases as it deems proper and reasonable so to do, the Director-General may, extend the period of validity of the certificate: Provided that such extension shall be granted only for the purpose of allowing the vessel to complete its voyage to the port in which it is to be surveyed: Provided further that such extension shall not be granted for a period longer than three months: Provided also that a vessel to which an extension is granted shall not, on its arrival in the port in which it is to be surveyed, be entitled to leave that port without having a new certificate and such new certificate issued after the renewal survey is completed, shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted. (7) Where a certificate issued to a vessel engaged on short voyages has not been extended under the provisions of this rule, the Director-General may extend the period of grace up to one month from the date of its expiry and the new certificate issued after the renewal survey is completed shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of expiry of the existing certificate before the extension was granted. (8) Under such special circumstances as may be determined by the Director-General, the new certificate shall be issued for a period of five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey and not from the date of expiry of the existing certificate as provided in clause (b) of sub-rule (3), sub-rule (6) and sub-rule (7) and in these circumstances, the new certificate shall be valid to a date not exceeding five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey. (9) A certificate issued under rule 6, rule 7 and rule 8 shall cease to be valid in the following cases, namely: — (a) where the relevant surveys are not completed within the period specified under sub-rule (1) of rule 5; or (b) upon a transfer of the vessel to the flag of another state party. (10) In case of a transfer from India to another state, if a request is made by the administration concerned within three months after such transfer has taken place, the Director-General shall, as soon as possible, transmit to that administration copies of the certificate carried by the vessel before such transfer and copies of survey reports, if available. (11) In case of a transfer of a vessel from the flag of another State, the Director-General shall issue a new Certificate to such a vessel only if it is fully satisfied that the vessel is in compliance with the requirements of sub-rules (7) and (8) of rule 5. **CHAPTER III** **MISCELLANEOUS** 10. **Reception facilities.** – (1) The Director-General shall ensure the provision of adequate facilities at ports and terminals for the reception of sewage without causing undue delay to vessels in accordance with the provisions of sub- section (1) of section 142 of the Act. (2) The Director-General shall notify the organisation, for transmission to the contracting governments concerned, of all cases where the facilities provided under Regulation 12 of Annex IV are alleged to be inadequate. (3) The Central Government shall undertake to ensure that,- (a) facilities for the reception of sewage are provided in ports and terminals which are in a special area and which are used by passenger vessels; (b) the facilities are adequate to meet the needs of those passenger vessels; and (c) the facilities are operated so as not to cause undue delay to those passenger vessels. (4) The Central Government shall notify the organisation of the measures undertaken pursuant to sub-rule (3) and until the organisation establishes the date from which the requirements of clause (c) of sub-rule (3) shall take effect under Regulation 13.2 of the Annex IV, every vessel, while navigating in the special area shall comply with the requirements of clause (c) of sub-rule (3). 11. **Polar waters.** – The vessels certified in accordance with these rules operating in polar waters shall comply with the environment-related provisions of the introduction and with Chapter 4 of part II-A of the Polar Code, in addition to any other applicable requirements of these rules. 12. **Control on operational requirements.** – (1) A vessel when in a port or an offshore terminal in India is subject to inspection by surveyor or an authorises person concerning operational requirements under these rules, where there are clear grounds for believing that the master or crew are not familiar with essential shipboard procedures relating to the prevention of pollution by sewage. (2) In the circumstances given in sub-rule (1), the surveyor or authorised person shall take such steps which will ensure that the vessel shall not sail until the situation has been brought to order in accordance with the requirements of these rules. (3) Nothing in this rule shall be construed to limit the rights and obligations of the Central Government carrying out control over operational requirements specifically provided for in the Act or rules made thereunder or convention. 13. **Penalties and enforcement.** – (1) Any contravention of these rules or failure to comply with any requirement thereof shall be liable to penalties as specified in the Act. (2) Any person who operates any vessel in contravention of the provisions of these rules, and for which no specific penalty is provided under sub-section (2) of section 281 of the Act, shall be liable to penalty which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, and if the breach is a continuing one, with further penalty which may extend to five thousand rupees for every day after the first day during which the breach continues. (3) The imposition of any penalty under this rule shall not absolve the owner or master from the requirement of rectifying the non-compliance. **SCHEDULE I** **[See rules 3 and 4]** **EQUIPMENT AND CONTROL OF DISCHARGE** 1. **Sewage systems.** – (1) Every vessel specified in rule 3 which is under obligation to comply with the provisions of these rules shall be equipped with one of the following sewage systems, namely: - (a) a sewage treatment plant of a type approved by the Director-General, having regard to the standards and test methods developed by the organisation under MEPC.2 (VI), Resolutions MEPC.159(55) and МЕРС.227(64), as amended by MEPC.284(70), or any subsequent resolutions adopted by the organisation; or (b) a sewage comminuting and disinfecting system, approved by the Director-General: Provided that such system shall be fitted with such facilities to the satisfaction of the Director- General for temporary storage of sewage when the vessel is less than three nautical miles from the nearest land; or (c) a holding tank of such capacity as may be specified by the Director-General, for the retention of all sewage, having regard to the operation of the vessel, the number of persons on board and other relevant factors: Provided that such holding tank shall be constructed in such manner as may be specified by the Director-General and shall have means to indicate visually and/or digitally the amount of its contents. (2) The arrangements for vessels of gross tonnage less than four hundred and certified to carry fifteen persons or fewer shall be in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Schedule. (3) By derogation from sub-paragraph (1), every passenger vessel which is required to comply with rule 3, and for which sub-paragraph (3) of paragraph 3 of this Schedule applies, shall be equipped with one of the following sewage systems, namely :- (a) a sewage treatment plant which shall be of a type approved by the Director-General, taking into account the standards and test methods developed by the organisation, or (b) a holding tank of the capacity to the satisfaction of the Director-General for the retention of all sewage, having regard to the operation of the vessel, the number of persons on board and other relevant factors: Provided that such holding tank shall be constructed in such manner as may be specified by the Director-General and shall have means to indicate visually and/or digitally the amount of its contents. 2. **Standard discharge connections.** – (1) To enable pipes of reception facilities to be connected with the vessel's discharge pipelines, both lines shall be fitted with a standard discharge connection, in accordance with the following table, namely:- **Table** **Standard dimensions of flanges for discharge connections** +------------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Description | Dimension | +==============================+==================================================================================================+ | Outside diameter | 210mm | +------------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Inner diameter | According to pipe outside diameter | +------------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Bolt circle diameter | 170mm | +------------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Slots in flange | 4 holes, 18 mm in diameter, equidistantly placed on a bolt circle of the above diameter, slotted to the flange periphery with the slot width of 18 mm | +------------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Flange thickness | 16 mm | +------------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Bolts and nuts; quantity | 4, each of 16 mm in diameter and of suitable length | | and diameter | | +------------------------------+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ The flange is designed to accept pipes up to a maximum internal diameter of 100mm and shall be of steel or other equivalent material having a flat face and this flange, together with a suitable gasket, shall be suitable for a service pressure of 600kpa: For vessels having a moulded depth of 5m and less, the inner diameter of the discharge connection may be 38mm. (2) For vessels in dedicated trades, i.e., passenger ferries, its discharge pipeline may, alternatively, be fitted with a discharge connection such as quick connection couplings, with the approval of the Director- General. 3. **Discharge of sewage.** – (1) Subject to the provisions of rule 4, the discharge of sewage into the sea is prohibited, except when- (a) the vessel is discharging treated wastewater using a system approved by the Director-General in accordance with clause (b) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 1 of this Schedule at a distance of more than 3 nautical miles from the nearest land, or untreated sewage at a distance of more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, provided that, in any case, the sewage that has been stored in holding tanks, or sewage originating from spaces containing living animals, shall not be discharged instantaneously but at a moderate rate when the vessel is en route and proceeding at not less than 4 knots; the rate of discharge shall be approved by the Director-General, on the basis of standards developed by the International Maritime Organisation; or Explanation: The rate of discharge is as per the "guidelines developed by the organisation by resolution MEPC.157(55) as may be amended by the organisation"; (b) the vessel has in operation an approved sewage treatment plant which has been certified by the Director-General to meet the operational requirements referred to in clause (a) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 1 of this Schedule, and the effluent shall not produce visible floating solids nor cause discoloration of the surrounding water. (2) The provisions of sub-paragraph (1) shall not apply to vessels operating in the waters under the jurisdiction of another country while the vessel is in such country's waters and are discharging sewage in accordance with such less stringent requirements as may be imposed by such country. (3) Subject to the provisions of rule 4, the discharge of sewage from a passenger vessel within a special area shall be prohibited,- (a) for a new passenger vessel, on a date determined by the organisation pursuant to clause (b) of sub- rule (3) of rule 10, but in no event prior to 1 June, 2019; and (b) for existing passenger vessels, on a date determined by the organisation pursuant to clause (b) of sub-rule (3) of rule 10, but in no event prior to 1 June, 2021, except when it is satisfied that the vessel has in operation an approved sewage treatment plant which has been certified by the Director-General to meet the operational requirements referred to in clause (a) of sub- paragraph (3) of paragraph 1 of this Schedule and the effluent shall not produce visible floating solids nor cause discoloration of the surrounding water. (4) When the sewage is mixed with wastes or waste water covered by other rules enacted under Part VII of the Act, the requirements of those rules shall be complied with in addition to the requirements of these rules. 4. **Sewage holding tanks.** – (1) Sewage holding tanks shall have following capacity for the retention of all sewage, having regard to the operation of the vessel, the number of persons on board and other relevant factors. **Table** **Liters per Person Per Day** +---------------------------+---------------------+-----------------+ | Type of discharge Control | Conventional System | Vacuum System | +===========================+=====================+=================+ | Sewage (black water) | 60 | 25 | +---------------------------+---------------------+-----------------+ | Sewage (black and grey water) | 230 | 185 | +---------------------------+---------------------+-----------------+ (2) Capacity of the tank should be at least sufficient to hold the sewage for one day or as per the voyage pattern of the vessel, the maximum number of days operating in areas where the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea is prohibited (minimum one day). (3) Sewage holding tanks shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the recognised organisation that classes the vessel and shall have a means to indicate visually the amount of its contents (e.g. a sight glass). (4) The sewage system should not have fixed connections to ballast water systems. 5. **Exceptional storage of treated wastewater, or grey water in ballast water tanks.** – (1) The Director-General may permit the use of ballast tanks as temporary storage of treated wastewater or grey water, where it may become necessary to store in ballast tanks in order to ensure compliance with the requirements under this rule, subject to the satisfaction of following conditions, namely:- (i) The ballast tank is temporarily isolated from the ballast system, so that no accidental discharge via the ballast system can take place within restricted waters; (ii) For treated wastewater and/or grey water, the ballast tank, pipes and pumps are adequately flushed prior to being returned to use for ballast; (iii) The tank is verified gas free if it is to be entered after having carried treated wastewater and in particular, the atmosphere should be tested for the presence of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) gas; (iv) The temporary treated wastewater or grey water holding tank shall not be located in hazardous areas of the vessel; (v) Entries are to be made in the log book regarding the transfer and discharge of such treated wastewater and grey water to the ballast tank; (vi) Port authorities to be informed of the temporary arrangement prior arrival to the port; and (vii) Treated wastewater and the grey water being stored in such tank is to be discharged in accordance with the port or coastal State rules and requirements or is to be discharged beyond port limits, while vessel is enroute and beyond 12 nm from the nearest land. (2) Where the treated wastewater or grey water is to be stored in ballast tank, the owner, master or person having authority over the vessel shall ensure that- (a) the tank(s) shall be connected to only one system at any time; (b) the system is to be arranged such that grey water or treated wastewater cannot contaminate the ballast water treatment system; (c) the tank(s) shall be empty before change of use; (d) the tank(s) shall be adequately flushed after containing grey water or treated wastewater, prior to being returned to use for ballast. **SCHEDULE II** **FORM-I** **[(See rule 6 (1))]** **International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate** Issued under the provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Vessels, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, as amended (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention"), under the authority of the Government of India. By .......................................................................................................................................................................................... (full designation of the competent person or organization authorized under the provisions of the Convention) **Particulars of ship¹** Name of ship .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Distinctive number of letters .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Port of registry .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Gross tonnage .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Number of persons which the vessel is certified to carry .......................................................................................................................................................................................... IMO Number² New/existing vessel³ Date on which keel was laid or ship was at a similar stage of construction or, where applicable, date on which work for a conversion or an alteration or modification of a major character was commenced .......................................................................................................................................................................................... **Type of ship for the application of regulation 11.3** **New/Existing passenger ship⁴** **Ship other than a passenger ship** **THIS IS TO CERTIFY:** 1. That the ship is equipped with a sewage treatment plant/comminuter/holding tank⁵ and a discharge pipeline in compliance with regulations 9 and 10 of Annex IV of the Convention as follows: 1.1 Description of the sewage treatment plant: Type of sewage treatment plant .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Name of manufacturer .......................................................................................................................................................................................... The sewage treatment plant is certified by the Administration to meet the effluent standards as provided for in resolution MEPC.2(VI). The sewage treatment plant is certified by the Administration to meet the effluent standards as provided for in resolution MЕРС.159(55) The sewage treatment plant is certified by the Administration to meet the effluent standards as provided for in the Guidelines on implementation of effluent standards and performance test for sewage treatment plants, adopted by resolution MEPC.227(64), as amended, including/excluding⁶ the standards of section 4.2 thereof 1.2 Description of comminuter: Type of comminuter .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Name of manufacturer .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Standard of sewage after disinfection .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.3 Description of holding tank: Total capacity of holding tank m³ Location .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.4 A pipeline for the discharge of sewage to a reception facility, fitted with a standard shore connection .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2. That the ship has been surveyed in accordance with regulation 4 of Annex IV of the Convention. 3. That the survey shows that the structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements, and material of the vessel and the condition thereof are in all respects satisfactory and that the vessel complies with the applicable requirements of Annex IV of the Convention. This Certificate is valid until ⁷ subject to surveys in accordance with regulation 4 of Annex IV of the Convention. Completion date of survey on which this Certificate is based. Issued at .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .dd/mm/yyyy (Place of issue of Certificate) (Date of issue) (Signature of authorized official issuing the Certificate) (Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) **Endorsement to extend the Certificate if valid for less than 5 years where regulation 8.3 applies** The ship complies with the relevant provisions of the Convention, and this Certificate shall, in accordance with regulation 8.3 of Annex IV of the Convention, be accepted as valid until (dd/mm/yyyy). Signed: (Signature of authorized official) Place: Date(dd/mm/yyyy): (Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) **Endorsement where the renewal survey has been completed and regulation 8.4 applies** The compiles with the relevant provisions of the Convention, and this Certificate shall, in accordance with regulation 8.4 of Annex IV of the Convention, be accepted as valid until (dd/mm/yyyy):.. Signed: (Signature of authorized official) Place... Date (dd/mm/yyyy): (Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) **Endorsement to extend the validity of the Certificate until reaching the port of survey or for a period of grace** **where regulation 8.5 or 8.6 applies** This certificate shall, in accordance with regulation 8.5 or 8.6* of Annex IV of the Convention, be accepted as valid until (dd/mm/yyyy) Signed: (Signature of authorized official) Place: Date (dd/mm/yyyy) : (Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) **FORM-II** **[(See rule 6 (3))]** **Indian Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate** Issued under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Vessels) Rules, 2026, under the authority of the Government of India and in respect to the provisions of Annex IV of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, as amended (hereinafter referred to as “the Convention"). by .......................................................................................................................................................................................... (full designation of the competent person or organization authorized under the provisions of the Paragraphs.) **Particulars of vessel⁸** Name of vessel .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Distinctive number of letters .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Port of registry .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Gross tonnage .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Number of persons which the vessel is certified to carry .......................................................................................................................................................................................... IMO Number⁹ New/existing vessel¹⁰ Date on which keel was laid or vessel was at a similar stage of construction or, where applicable, date on which work for a conversion or an alteration or modification of a major character was commenced .......................................................................................................................................................................................... **Type of vessel for the application of sub-paragraph (3) of paragraph 3 of the Schedule 1** **New/Existing passenger vessel¹¹** **Ship other than a passenger vessel** **THIS IS TO CERTIFY:** 1. That the vessel is equipped with a sewage treatment plant/ comminuter/ holding tank and a discharge pipeline in compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Schedule-I to these rules as follows: 1.1 Description of the sewage treatment plant: Type of sewage treatment plant .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Name of manufacturer .......................................................................................................................................................................................... The sewage treatment plant is certified by the Administration to meet the effluent standards as provided for in resolution MEPC.2(VI). The sewage treatment plant is certified by the Administration to meet the effluent standards as provided for in resolution MЕРС.159(55) The sewage treatment plant is certified by the Administration to meet the effluent standards as provided for in the Guidelines on implementation of effluent standards and performance test for sewage treatment plants, adopted by resolution MEPC.227(64), as amended, including/excluding¹² the standards of section 4.2 thereof 1.2 Description of comminuter : Type of comminuter .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Name of manufacturer .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Standard of sewage after disinfection .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.3 Description of holding tank: Total capacity of holding tank m³ Location .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1.4 A pipeline for the discharge of sewage to a reception facility, fitted with a standard shore connection .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2. That the vessel has been surveyed in accordance with rule 5 of these rules of the Convention. 3. That the survey shows that the structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements, and material of the vessel and the condition thereof are in all respects satisfactory and that the vessel complies with the applicable requirements of these rules This Certificate is valid until ¹³ subject to surveys in accordance with rule 5 Completion date of survey on which this Certificate is based. Issued at .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .dd/mm/yyyy (Place of issue of Certificate) (Date of issue) (Signature of authorized official issuing the Certificate) (Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) **Endorsement to extend the Certificate if valid for less than 5 years where sub-rule (4) of rule 9 applies** The vessel complies with the relevant provisions of the Convention, and this Certificate shall, in accordance with sub- rule (4) of rule 9, be accepted as valid until (dd/mm/yyyy): Signed: (Signature of authorized official) Place: Date (dd/mm/yyyy): (Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) **Endorsement where the renewal survey has been completed and sub-rule (5) of rule 9 applies** The vessel complies with the relevant provisions of the Convention, and this Certificate shall, in accordance with sub-rule (5) of rule 9 be accepted as valid until (dd/mm/yyyy): Signed (Signature of authorized official) Place: Date (dd/mm/yyyy) : (Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) **Endorsement to extend the validity of the Certificate until reaching the port of survey or for a period of grace** **where sub-rules (6) or (7) of rule 9 applies** This certificate shall, in accordance with sub-rules (6) or (7) of rule 9 be accepted as valid until (dd/mm/yyyy/). Signed: (Signature of authorized official) Place: Date (dd/mm/yyyy) : (Seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) **FORM III** **Form of Exemption Certificate for UNSP Barges** **[See rule 8]** **INTERNATIONAL SEWAGE POLLUTION PREVENTION EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE FOR** **UNMANNED NON-SELF-PROPELLED (UNSP) BARGES** Issued under the provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978, as amended, relating thereto (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention") under the authority of the Government of: (full designation of the country) by (full designation of the competent person or organization authorized under the provisions of the Convention) **Particulars of ship¹⁴** Name of vessel .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Distinctive number or letters .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Port of registry .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Gross tonnage .......................................................................................................................................................................................... **THIS IS TO CERTIFY:** 1. That the unmanned non-self-propelled (UNSP) barge has been surveyed in accordance with regulation 3.2 of Annex IV to the Convention; 2. That the survey shows that the unmanned non-self-propelled (UNSP) barge: 1. is not propelled by mechanical means; 2. has neither persons nor living animals on board; 3. is not used for holding sewage during transport; and 4. has no arrangements that could produce sewage as defined in regulation 1.3 of Annex IV to the Convention; and 3. That the UNSP barge is exempted, under regulation 3.2 of Annex IV to the Convention, from the certification and related survey requirements of regulations 4.1 and 5.1 of Annex IV to the Convention. This certificate is valid until (dd/mm/yyyy) ........................................ subject to the exemption conditions being maintained. Completion date of the survey on which this certificate is based (dd/mm/yyyy) ........................................ Issued at ................................................................ (place of issue of certificate) (date of issue) (dd/mm/yyyy): (Signature of duly authorized official issuing the certificate) (seal or stamp of the authority, as appropriate) [F. No. SY-19014/198/2025-MG] MUKESH MANGAL, Addl. Secy. Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.