The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a new e-learning course aimed at reducing marine plastic litter generated by ships. This initiative addresses the pressing need to effectively implement regulations that prevent pollution from garbage, particularly plastic, which poses a significant threat to marine life as it can remain in the ocean for years and be ingested by wildlife.
The course is designed for a variety of maritime stakeholders, including government officials, maritime educators, seafarers, and port reception facility operators. It covers essential topics such as the main provisions of MARPOL Annex V, which outlines the restrictions and conditions for garbage disposal at sea.
Participants will learn about the responsibilities of shipowners and crew in ensuring compliance and the environmental impacts associated with ship-generated waste. The course also discusses international enforcement measures and shares best practices for preventing and controlling marine litter.
By enhancing awareness and capacity among key actors in the maritime sector, the course strives to reduce the amount of garbage, especially plastic, discharged into the ocean and ensure compliance with international regulations. It supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on life below water.
The World Maritime University (WMU) played a crucial role in designing the course to align it with contemporary training needs. The initiative was co-funded by the IMO and the OceanLitter Programme, which funds multiple projects with contributions from various governments.
Jose Matheickal, the Director of IMO’s Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, emphasized the importance of this course in strengthening global efforts to tackle plastic litter from ships. Currently, the course is available in English, with plans for translations into French and Spanish to promote multilingual accessibility.
The launch took place during the 75th session of the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee, reflecting the organization’s commitment to enhancing education and training in the maritime sector.