Answer
Latest GRB amendment — small vessels
IMO adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex V through Resolution MEPC.360(79). The amendment entered into force on 1 May 2024.
| Requirement | Earlier | From 1 May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage Record Book | Ships ≥400 GT | Ships ≥100 GT |
| Passenger criterion | Ships certified to carry 15 or more persons on relevant international voyages | Unchanged |
| Fixed/floating platforms | GRB required | Unchanged |
• For ships under 100GT, any discharge or accidental loss of garbage must be recorded in the official logbook.
• Approved Electronic GRB instead of papers can be used, following IMO guideline MEPC 312(74)
• Arctic Port Reception facilities updated requirements, with new specific provisions for ports within arctic waters to better manage ship generated waste.
• GRB divide into two parts :
Part I – For all ships, record all garbage except cargo residues.
Part II – For ships carrying solid bulk cargoes, records cargo residues discharge as per MARPOL rules.
What is recorded in the GRB?Entries are made whenever garbage is:
- Discharged to a reception facility.
- Discharged into the sea, where permitted.
- Incinerated.
- Accidentally lost or exceptionally discharged.
- Otherwise handled as required under Annex V.
Retention Period: The GRB must be preserved onboard for at least 2 years after the date of the last entry made, along with official Receipts/Certificates from Shore Reception Facilities (SRFs).