Members are reminded that the amendment to the MARPOL Convention, designating the waters off Southern South Africa as a Special Area, come into force later this year.

This amendment affects the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention); Annex I: Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil; Regulation 1.11 (Special areas).

It was reported to Members in Loss Prevention Bulletin 493 in 2006, that the expected entry into force date of the amendments to the Regulation, designating the waters off Southern South Africa as a Special Area, come into force 01 March 2008.

The amendment will now take effect on 01 August 2008, although voluntary compliance is encouraged from the March date.

The Southern South African waters means the sea area enclosed by the following coordinates:

31° 14' S; 017° 50' E

31° 30' S; 017° 12' E

32° 00' S; 017° 06' E

32° 32' S; 016° 52' E

34° 06' S; 017° 24' E

36° 58' S; 020° 54' E

36° 00' S; 022° 30' E

35° 14' S; 022° 54' E

34° 30' S; 026° 00' E

33° 48' S; 027° 25' E

33° 27' S; 027° 12' E

The in force, and in effect from, dates for this and other Special Areas can be viewed on the IMO website.

Source of information: UK P&I Club

Loss Prevention Department

Tel: +44 20 7204 2217

Email:

lossprevention.ukclub@thomasmiller.com

Internet:

www.ukpandi.com