What MARPOL requirement ensures proper garbage management on board?

• A. A Garbage Management Plan and a Garbage Record Book.
• B. A Ballast Water Management Plan
• C. A Ship Security Plan
• D. An Environmental Compliance Plan

Answer: (A)

MARPOL Annex V requires a Garbage Management Plan and a Garbage Record Book on board. This combination ensures proper garbage handling by laying out how garbage is segregated, stored, and disposed of, and by assigning responsibilities and procedures to the crew. The plan specifies categories of garbage, approved disposal methods, and the locations of garbage containers, helping the crew manage waste safely and in compliance with regulations. The Garbage Record Book then provides a written log of all garbage generated and disposed of or incinerated, including dates, categories, quantities, and disposal methods, creating a verifiable trail for inspections and preventing unlawful dumping. Other plans cover different maritime environmental or security topics, but they do not address the specific management and recording requirements for ship-generated garbage.