Marine Advisory: 16/2026 - Reporting of Alleged Inadequacy of Port Reception Facilities

Subject: REPORTING OF ALLEGED INADEQUACY OF PORT RECEPTION FACILITIES

Ref: (a) POL-006 – Reports Alleging Inadequate MARPOL Port Reception Facilities

1. MARPOL Convention, as amended
2. IMO Circular MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1
3. IMO GISIS – Port Reception Facilities Module

Dear Shipowners/Operators/Masters/Crew:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to draw the attention of shipowners, operators, Masters and crew to the importance of timely reporting of alleged inadequacies of port reception facilities (PRF) encountered during port operations.

BACKGROUND:

As outlined in POL-006, Masters and/or shipowners/operators encountering difficulties in discharging MARPOL wastes/residues, including plastic to port reception facilities are required to report such cases to the Administration and, if possible, to the Authorities of the port State concerned.

The information received forms the basis for the Administration’s notification to the IMO and supports follow-up actions with the relevant port State.

DISCUSSION:

The Administration notes that, despite known challenges associated with port reception facilities, reporting of such cases remains limited.

Typical issues encountered include:

• Unavailability of reception facilities
• Operational or procedural delays
• Inconvenient location or access
• Unreasonable or excessive charges

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Limited reporting may result in:

• Underrepresentation of operational challenges
• Reduced effectiveness of IMO monitoring and follow-up
• Continued recurrence of avoidable deficiencies

Consistent reporting is therefore essential to support effective implementation of MARPOL requirements and continuous improvement of port reception facilities worldwide.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Shipowners, operators and Masters of Liberian-flagged vessels are reminded to comply with the procedures set out in POL-006 and:

1. Report all alleged inadequacies of port reception facilities encountered;
2. Use the approved reporting format (Form RLM-111) as specified in POL-006;
3. Submit reports to the Administration (Investigations Department) and, where practicable, to the port State authority;
4. Ensure reports include sufficient detail, including:

o port and terminal information o type and quantity of waste o nature of the deficiency o operational impact, including any delays

1. Ensure that prior notification requirements to the port are complied with, where applicable.

ADMINISTRATION ACTION:

The Administration encourages the consistent reporting of PRF-related issues to support effective monitoring and analysis through IMO mechanisms, including GISIS.

The Administration will continue to monitor reporting trends and may consider further measures, as appropriate, to support compliance and improve reporting practices.

For more information, please contact the Investigations Department at investigations@liscr.com.

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