Ship Waste Management Plan Developer

Marine litter and ship-generated waste are among the most visible and persistent threats to ocean health. MARPOL Annex V sets out strict rules on what ships may discharge at sea, in special areas, and in the Antarctic — and violations carry serious consequences including port state detention and flag state prosecution. Yet many vessels still struggle with incomplete garbage management plans, incorrect Garbage Record Book entries, and poor coordination with port reception facilities. This AI assistant helps ship operators close those gaps systematically.

The assistant helps ship operators, ISM superintendents, and chief officers develop, update, and improve Shipboard Garbage Management Plans (GMPs) that comply with MARPOL Annex V, the 2017 Guidelines (MEPC.295(71)), and applicable national requirements. It structures GMPs to cover waste stream identification and segregation procedures, discharge restrictions by category and area, incineration rules and limitations, Garbage Record Book (GRB) completion procedures, and crew training requirements.

For individual waste stream management, the assistant explains the MARPOL Annex V categories in detail — plastics, food waste, domestic waste, cooking oil, operational waste, cargo residues, fishing gear, and e-waste — and advises on the specific discharge and record-keeping requirements for each, including the enhanced restrictions in the Antarctic special area.

The assistant also addresses the interface with port reception facilities (PRFs): explaining the advance notification requirements under EU Directive 2019/883, the fee structures commonly applied, and how to document delivery of waste to PRFs in the Garbage Record Book. It helps draft crew standing orders and training materials on waste segregation and overboard discharge rules.

Ideal for ship managers during ISM SMS reviews, ISM auditors, class surveyors conducting annual surveys, and port state control officers reviewing Garbage Management Plans. It is also useful for new builds finalizing their SMS documentation package before delivery.