ISO 21070:2017/Amd 1:2022

Overview

ISO 21070:2017/Amd 1:2022 is an important amendment to the international standard focused on ships and marine technology, specifically targeting the marine environment protection sector. This amendment updates the classification of shipboard garbage, reflecting the latest requirements and best practices for managing and handling waste generated onboard vessels. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 8, Subcommittee SC 2, this standard aligns with environmental protection protocols, including relevant IMO resolutions such as MEPC.277(70).

The primary aim of this amendment is to improve waste categorization system onboard ships, ensuring better segregation, storage, and disposal of ship-generated garbage. This facilitates compliance with international maritime pollution regulations, particularly MARPOL Annex V, which regulates garbage discharge at sea to protect the marine ecosystem.

Key Topics

• Updated Garbage Classification: The amendment revises the categories and types of garbage onboard ships, providing a clear, structured classification table aligned with MARPOL Annex V.
• Garbage Categories Include:
  • Plastics (synthetic ropes, fishing nets)
  • Food wastes
  • Domestic waste (glass, paper products, wood, metal)
  • Medical waste
  • Cooking oil and incinerator ashes (with attention to toxic components)
  • Operational wastes (dunnage, packing materials, hazardous wastes such as batteries)
  • Animal carcasses
  • Fishing gear
  • Electronic waste (computers, cell phones, communication devices)
  • Cargo residues (non-harmful and harmful solid bulk cargo residues)
• Segregation and Labeling: Emphasis on practical measures such as color-coded labels and markings for onboard garbage containers to ensure efficient waste handling and ease of offloading at port reception facilities.
• Hazardous Waste Handling: Guidance on identifying and separately managing hazardous, medical, and quarantine wastes, as well as incinerator ashes containing heavy metals.

Applications

This amendment is critical for ship operators, marine environmental managers, and maritime regulatory authorities:

• Ship Operators and Crews: Enables improved onboard waste management practices by clearly categorizing garbage types and advising proper segregation and labeling.
• Port Reception Facilities: Facilitates better handling and recycling of ship-generated waste through clear labeling and segregation schemes.
• Environmental Compliance: Assists ships in meeting international regulations such as MARPOL Annex V, reducing marine pollution risks.
• Training and Awareness: Serves as a valuable resource for training maritime personnel on marine pollution prevention and responsible waste management.

By implementing the updated classification and management procedures defined in this amendment, ships contribute directly to protecting the marine environment, minimizing ocean pollution, and supporting sustainable shipping operations.

Related Standards

• ISO 21070:2017 – The base standard covering management and handling of shipboard garbage.
• IMO MARPOL Annex V – The international maritime convention regulating pollution by garbage from ships.
• IMO Resolution MEPC.277(70) – Provides detailed guidelines on garbage categorization and handling onboard ships.
• ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 & 2 – Editorial and development rules guiding the formulation of ISO standards.
• ISO/TC 8, Subcommittee SC 2 – Technical committee responsible for marine environment protection standards.

By adhering to ISO 21070:2017/Amd 1:2022, the shipping industry reinforces its commitment to marine environment protection through the best practices in shipboard garbage management, helping to preserve ocean ecosystems worldwide while ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.