Section 3 in The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships) Rules, 2010
3. Obligation to prevent pollution of sea by sewage.
(1)The following ships engaged in voyages shall be under obligation to prevent pollution of sea by sewage from ships and shall comply with the provisions of these rules, namely;(a)new ships of four hundred gross tonnage and above;(b)new ships of less than four hundred gross tonnage which are certified to carry more than fifteen persons;(c)existing ships of four hundred gross tonnage and above, five years after the date of 27th day of September 2003;(d)existing ships of less than four hundred gross tonnage which are certified to carry more than fifteen persons, five years after the date of 27th day of September, 2003.(2)The Central Government shall ensure that existing ships, specified under clauses (c) and (d) of sub-rule (1), the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction before 2nd October, 1983, shall be so equipped as to discharge sewage in accordance with the requirements of Rule 11 :Provided that provisions of rule 11 shall not apply to-(a)the discharge of sewage from a ship is necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of the ship and those on board, or for saving life at sea; or(b)the discharge of sewage results from damage to the ship or its equipment provided all reasonable precautions have been taken before and after the occurrence of such damage for the purpose of preventing or minimizing the discharge.
