Marine Operations Note: 06/2006 - LIBERIA ACCEPTS MARPOL ANNEX IV

September 14, 2006 MARINE OPERATIONS NOTE: 6/2006

RE: LIBERIA ACCEPTS MARPOL ANNEX IV

Dear Owner/Operator/Classification Societies:

On 21 August, 2006, Liberia deposited with IMO its formal instrument of accession to Annex IV, Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships, to

MARPOL 73/78, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. With this action Liberia is now a Party to all Annexes to MARPOL 73/78. In accordance with Convention provisions, Annex IV will enter into force for Liberia and Liberian flag ships on 21 November 2006; three months after deposit.

Nearly all Liberian-flagged vessels have been operating in accordance with Annex IV since its international entry into force in September 2003 and therefore there should be minimal effect on owners and operators. In lieu of the voluntary Statement of

Compliance issued in the past to document compliance, Liberian flag ships will now be issued an International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificates (ISPPC).

Action: Owners and Operators should ensure their Liberian flag vessels comply with the provisions of Annex IV and have on board a valid ISPPC issued by their Classification Society within the next few months. Owners and Operators of vessels that are not yet in compliance shall provide details on their planned compliance by 21 November 2006 to the contact below. We anticipate that those ships with a valid Statement of Compliance for Annex IV will be issued an ISPPC by their Classification Society without the need for further survey.

Please contact Tony Dupree at +1 703 251 2413 or email: technical@liscr.com for additional information.

Regards,

Capt. David Pascoe

Head Maritime Operations & Standards

On behalf of

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF MARITIME AFFAIRS

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA