Answer
A statutory document mandatory for all ships carrying Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) in bulk under MARPOL Annex II (Regulation 14). Approved by the Flag Administration or Recognized Organization (RO).
Purpose
To ensure that the ship follows approved equipment arrangements and operational procedures so that residues of Noxious Liquid Substances are discharged or disposed of in compliance with MARPOL Annex II.
It is ship-specific.
- Primary Objective: Defines physical arrangements, operational practices, tank washing, cargo stripping, and slop discharge protocols necessary to ensure strict compliance with MARPOL Annex II discharge criteria.
- Core Contents:
- Ship & Cargo Equipment Description: Layout of NLS pumping systems, cargo stripping arrangements, efficient stripping capability limits (e.g., maximum allowable residual cargo of 75 liters per tank for Category X, Y, and Z on modern ships), and underwater discharge outlet locations.
- Cargo Unloading & Stripping Procedures: Step-by-step guidance for line blowing, stripping pumps, and cargo tank drainage to meet statutory residual limits.
- Mandatory Prewash Protocols: Detailed prewash procedures for Category X substances (where slops must be discharged to shore reception facilities until concentration drops to ≤ 0.1 by weight) and high-viscosity/solidifying Category Y cargoes.
- Discharge Procedures at Sea: Conditions under which NLS residues may be discharged into the sea (proceeding at ≥ 7 knots, distance ≥ 12 nm from land, water depth ≥ 25 m, and using the underwater discharge outlet below the waterline).
- Tank Washing & Slop Tables: Matrices mapping specific NLS products to required washing cycles, water temperatures, and solvent cleaning procedures.
“The P&A Manual is a ship-specific, Administration-approved manual required under MARPOL Annex II Regulation 14. It describes the ship's cargo system and approved procedures for unloading, stripping, tank washing, prewashing, ventilation and disposal of NLS residues so that discharge requirements of Annex II are met. Operations carried out under the manual are recorded in the Cargo Record Book.”