申論題

International Maritime Organization（IMO）has taken the active interest in ship discharges that contaminate the ocean environment. The international convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, which is known as the MARPOL 73/78 protocol, prohibits the discharge of various pollutants from marine vessels except under specific conditions. The most notable potential sources of pollution are the cargo-oil piping and ballast system on crude-oil tankers. The other sources of pollution such as the bilge systems, sewage system and the gas emissions from engines and boilers also require a rigorous analysis and the careful controls in order to comply with the international regulations. Furthermore, in order to prevent the marine growth in seawater system, these systems are often fitted with connections for the continuous injection of chemical poisons. This could also affect the marine environment even if its impact is almost negligible.